One of the first trees to show autumn colour is Cercidiphyllum japonicum, the katsura. The leaves turn different shades of pink, yellow, even purple, and, as they depart the tree, they release a sweet-smelling chemical called maltol, which seems to waft on the air.

Other trees early to colour early include Euonymous europeus, the spindle bush, in shades of bright red and pink; Aesculus hippocastanum, the horse chestnut, and Parrotia persica, the ironwood, which turns yellow orange and bright crimson.

Look out for them around the district and consider one for your own garden.

Check for borers in trees and shrubs, especially wattles. Look for holes surrounded with dust and fine webbing. Use fine wire to poke into the hole to kill or remove larvae, then squirt methylated spirits in and plug with putty. Regularly check other susceptible trees such as silk trees (albizia).

The old flower heads of hydrangeas can usually be left on to enjoy their shades of burgundy, green, and purple as they age, but this year after the scorching days of summer, many hydrangeas are looking worse for wear, with flowers burned and brown.

Generally, hydrangeas are not pruned until winter, but this year you might want to tidy them up by pruning them now. Remove spindly stems and cut the stems back to the lowest pair of plump buds.

Sow climbing sweet peas now for a quick colourful screen to hide areas or as a background for the vegetable or other garden beds. Run a trellis for them to grow on from north to south to receive as much sun as possible. A tepee of stakes tied together at the top can also be effective.

Cut back carnations and summer annuals after flowering. Tie up chrysanthemums and other tall late-flowering perennials.

The next meeting of the Armidale Garden Club will be on March 23 at the Uniting Church Youth Club Hall, off Rusden St, next to the Presbyterian church at 7.30pm. Everyone is most welcome.