For me, autumn really seems to begin in August with the first “flag” trees whose leaves perpetually change early every year.

I can’t explain it, but it seems a gentle reminder that the change in the season is imminent and that the time to start working our way toward winter is nigh.

Usually by the time September equinox arrives, the garden has long lost its lustre. Pink, blue and purple have given way to gold, red and orange. While some plants remain splendid in death, others are best tidied to expand the longevity of the beauty of the borders. Little tweaks go a long way to ease the final flourish of fall clean up.

There is some controversy over how much clean up is necessary. I believe the decision is a very personal one from which many life circumstances come into consideration.

Whi

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