September is a great time of year in the garden. There is a definite sense of change in the air as the season shifts into autumn, but there is still plenty of warmth, light and colour from those late summer blooms.

Although many say August is the time to begin cutting hedges, I always prefer to hold out until September to make extra sure any birds have finished nesting. Waiting until now ensures we can cut with confidence and a clear conscience, as nearly all of the birds that nest in our gardens will have hatched their last clutch of eggs and the chicks long since flown.

A contrasting backdrop to late summer borders

The effect of a freshly trimmed hedge at this time of year is really rewarding and acts as a good contrasting backdrop to the sprawling beauty of our late summer borders.

While in the spirit of cutting and clearing, it will be very tempting to have a good tidy-up in the flower beds, with summer perennials having finished flowering and their browning stalks looking unkempt. While it is satisfying to get stuck in cutting back and neatening borders, a compromise for nature’s sake is always advisable.

In a larger flower bed it may be possible to cut old foliage back in the front half and leave the back as a habitat for hibernating insects. In a smaller plot, cutting things back but piling them out of sight could be preferable.

As you are tidying, look for any old flower heads such as nigella, poppy and hollyhock, containing ripe seed heads that you can collect and either store to grow on, or scatter on some bare earth elsewhere in your garden.

The soil is warm enough for them to get settled in before winter

It is also a good time of year to lift any plants you wish to move elsewhere, or to divide clumps of plants like achillea that may benefit from a bit more space. The advantage of replanting things now is that the soil is still warm enough for them to continue to grow and get settled in before winter, so they have a head start ready for next year’s display.

If you notice any gaps in your borders at this time of year, it isn’t too late to add some interest and plant something to inject a bit of colour in the garden. Sedums, asters and salvias all do a great job of making your garden look beautiful later in the year.