Should I cut back the perennials in my border now or leave it until spring?

Question:

I was wondering what your advice would be for cutting back perennials. Should it be done in autumn or is it best to wait until spring?

Answer:

This is a tricky one and it comes down to personal choice. If you leave your border untouched you will be able to enjoy the seed heads throughout winter – poppy seed heads look stunning with a dusting of frost.

By leaving the border you will be creating an overwintering place for beneficial insects. However, if you intend to improve the soil with added organic matter it is far easier to cut plants back and have a good tidy. The dead stems can be composted and by opening up the space you are making room for the spring bulbs to emerge. Clearing a border in spring can leave new shoots at risk from damage.

I tend to collect any seed I want to keep in September and then enjoy the remaining seed heads until mid October then get in and clear out. At this point I can move plants and divide them. Autumn is the perfect time to invest in new perennials and plant spring bulbs so if you are at the early stages of creating a border I would clear now and work on filling the gaps.

Either way you will have the task of removing the dead stems and doing this on a chilly day is a great way to warm up.

Tamsin Westhorpe - Editor, The English Garden magazine