Gardening: Jobs for the weekend (Sept 11) | Brian Kidd

• Don’t let the lawn be spoilt by early leaf fall. The best way to pick up a light covering of leaves is to mow the grass and the leaves will assist the grass to compost.

• With a bit of luck, this is the last time we shall have to cut hedges, so let’s get it done.

• If you have an allotment, try to get some digging done. Remove weeds and leave the soil in clods to weather.

• Buy alpine plants for a cold empty greenhouse. They won’t mind a few side glass panes missing and what a good way to enjoy the greenhouse in winter but better still in spring when they all flower.

• Have you struggled all summer with a bad mowing machine? It won’t be long before the DIY shops will have special clearance offers. Spend your pennies and enjoy it.

• Plant Brompton stocks about eight inches apart. These bloom in spring and early summer when there is very little else in flower. A very good choice.