To make leaf mould, put the leaves in a black plastic bag with a few holes pierced in it for aeration.

Sprinkle some water over them, add a small amount of blood and bone and leave the bag in a shady out-of-the-way spot for about 10 or 12 months.

Oak leaves are alleged to make the best leaf mould in the shortest time. Thicker leaves, like those from plane and chestnut trees, and evergreen leaves and eucalypts take longer and are best shredded first.

Store the bags where the family canine can't get at them though, as dogs find it hard to resist the smell of the blood and bone! Cover your pond to keep leaves out at this time of year.

Collect fallen fruit, too as this will help reduce pests next season.

Continue to plant spring-flowering bulbs but don't leave it too much longer as the roots will only continue growing well while the soil is warm. Be sure to water them in well.

Also, take a look around at bulbs that are flowering now in autumn and add any that take your eye to your list for purchasing next year.

Continue to divide overgrown clumps of perennials where the younger growth is at the outside of the clump and the centre is bare. Water in well after planting.

Sprinkle seeds of annuals such as poppies, forget-me-nots, French marigolds, cornflower gypsophila, honesty, etc.

Late autumn perennials, notably chrysanthemums, are in their prime. If a potted chrysanthemum arrived at your house for Mothers Day, after it stops flowering, you can either add it to the compost or plant it into a sunny garden bed.

Cut back long stems after flowering, protect new shoots from snails, and mulch.

Chrysanthemums are great value, needing only need basic care with a little fertiliser every now and then, and can last for years.

In the vegie garden continue planting peas, leeks, broad beans, spinach, cabbages, broccoli and other brassicas.

Armidale Garden Club next meets on May 24 at 7pm in the Uniting Church Youth Club Hall.