The soil may still be warm but summer is on the way out. GINA PARKINSON starts preparing for winter.

THE days are drawing in and it is time to enjoy the last of the summer flowers, while at the same time preparing the garden for winter.

Plants already in the garden but in the wrong place can be moved in Autumn, which is also a good time for planting new specimens.

The soil is still warm from the summer and the plants will have time to settle before the cold weather starts. They are also becoming dormant and putting less demands on the roots to sustain growth.

Most hardy plants can be put into the garden now including climbers, roses, shrubs and trees; but it is best to wait until spring to plant or move evergreens and slightly tender items, such as grey-leafed plants.

Overgrown clumps can be lifted, divided and replanted, although late flowering species such as Sedum spectabile should be left until spring to avoid damaging autumn blooms.

Hardy spring bedding such as forget-me-nots, primulas, wallflowers, sweet williams and violas can be planted to fill gaps left by the removal of summer bedding.

Violas will flower on and off through winter and primulas can sometimes produce an occasional flower; but the rest will wait until spring while providing greenery until then.

Ornamental kale can also go into the garden where pink and cream-coloured varieties brighten uninteresting beds for months. They can be used in winter containers.

Rake over and re-seed bare patches on the lawn and sow new lawns by the end of September. Turf can be laid well into winter as long as the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged but it can be expensive, especially if a large area is required.

Put netting temporarily over the re-seeded area to keep the birds off. The heavy dew at this time of year reduces the need for watering but check if the weather continues to be warm and dry.

Updated: 09:05 Saturday, September 13, 2003