question, `what can we now do in the garden?' is a question not obvious to some therefore a subject for discussion.

Growth rates will slow dramatically over the next few weeks, which in turn presents another landscape palette to create. The lush tropical growth of summer is replaced by hard growth and new growth for more temperature type plants. Cool temperatures are welcome after the summer heat, but wind is a problem, especially when accompanied by salt spray and no rainfall. Cooler weather invariably means a transition from summer weeds to cool season weeds, especially in lawns. With this in mind, perhaps we should take a walk through the garden and create a check list of what to tackle in the short term and prepare a schedule for the long term. This way, we are not likely to go into hibernation! Considering the strength of winter gales in Bermuda, it is always advisable to carry out a little light pruning. This should consist of removal of growth from heavy foliated plants; even thought we had Gert blow us about, most plants recovered quickly and have developed a new canopy of foliage. Thinning out some of the heavier material, will allow winter winds to `pass through' the plant and not shred the foliage as if it were a sail. The filtering effect reduces damage to leaf, stem and root. Be careful not to `over' prune, as this can encourage development of new soft growth which, in the event of strong, salt laden winds, will be burnt off with little chance of replacement growth until next spring.

Pest and disease problems never take a break and with cool damp mornings one can expect some problems with fungal activity on plants and lawns.

Caterpillars are still active on `soft' growth, especially Cannas, Westringia and Pentas, whilst leave minors can be seen on citrus and Ligustrum (Privet).

Garden centres will accommodate your needs for chemical controls and if you are not sure what to use, take a sample of the offending culprit, for identification and recommended control. Remember to always read the instructions when applying chemicals and make sure to thoroughly wash the sprayer before and after use.

Warm season grasses will be slowing down in their growth, with Bermuda grass lawns taking on a `thin' appearance as the winter approaches, especially in shady areas. If this causes a major coverage problem consider overseeding with a winter grass.

Getting ready for winter If thatch is a problem, consider raking or verticutting lawns prior to fertilisation and seeding. Several mixes are available for this time of year.

Cool season weed growth is also about to visit and perhaps invade weak lawns.

Preventative spraying will go a long way to assist in reducing such weed growth, and keep a relatively weed-free lawn until next spring. A winter application of fertiliser, to harden off grasses is worthwhile at this time of year.

Tools and equipment have taken a beating during the growing season and it is therefore advisable to pay some attention to servicing all one's tools and equipment before resting it for the winter. It will certainly repay the effort next year.

Activity levels may slow down at this time of the year, but there is still much that can be done for the keen gardener to keep the property attractive.

It is at this time of the year, that annuals (seedlings) and bulbous type plants, come to the fore; and if you excuse the pun, many plants bear the fruits of their labours. Annuals are very important at this time of year as they give us the interest and colour to carry us through the fall months. For those of us who live in protected areas, the range of materials that can be planted is far greater than for the gardener who is open to the vagaries of Mother Nature. Seedlings are often purchased in small trays or flats, with varying numbers of seedlings in each. It is advisable not to purchase seedlings which are on the small side, and perhaps a little to `soft'. Look for the more mature stronger plants that are standing up on their own and not supported by their neighbours. Seedlings should look fresh and not hard if they are to give of their best. For those who live in more open areas, I would suggest using `dwarfer' varieties, with growth height of up to eight to ten inches.

The range of bulbous plants now available will create more interest in the garden and should be encouraged. The beauty of bulbs is their flowering habit and range of colours -- even their leaf structure gives relief from most other plant life. Bulbs can be planted directly in the soil and left to grow naturally, or one can plant them in pots and grow them on until they start to show growth. In the latter method, you are basically in control of the outcome by planting them just as they are about to flower, whereas, if they are direct planted, they are at the mercy of the weather.

As I mentioned earlier, pruning at this time can be beneficial, especially on plants which bear seed and fruit; careful pruning can expose seed and fruit which can make a statement against the foliage of the plant and add a touch of colour to perhaps and overcast day.

November is a betwixt and between month, the goblins and ghoulies have been and gone, Mother Nature requires your attention! MALCOLM D GRIFFITHS