November brings the joy of watching the summer shrubs beginning to flower, appeasing the disappointment that's felt when beautiful spring bulbs begin to yellow and die off.

There are many chores to complete during November. First, assess small shrubs such as diosma, daisies and lavender that have finished flowering, as they may need a light prune.

It is important not to cut back to hard wood as this can be fatal, and fertilise after pruning. Use Flourish to give an instant boost to new growth and apply Bounceback to continue feeding during the summer months.

Gardenias and hibiscus will benefit greatly from an application of cow manure (if grown in ground - pots will need slow release).

Yellowing leaves may require an application of chelated iron, which is watered through the soil in the cool of the day.

Gardenias love water at this time as they are setting buds - two drinks a day won't hurt.

Agapanthus are bearing their long flower stems - check for mealy bug which hides down deep in the plant's base.

Camellias and azaleas should have dead blooms removed - stimulate new growth with fertiliser but more importantly apply peat moss to mulch the surface roots.

Houseplants may need repotting - they will at least need an application of fresh mix to top up the soil level and feed with a slow release fertiliser.

If you have hard leafed plants indoors wipe the leaves over with white oil to clean off the dust and prevent scale attack.

Did you realise it's only eight weeks to Christmas!

Quickly fertilise flower beds with cow manure - leave for one week before planting out colour for Christmas.

A bright show from petunias takes up to eight weeks, so I'd fertilise with Flourish each week.