Of course the proviso is that weather may or will become more variable and/or extreme, which means that what we have just experienced is normal! Therefore anything else you may experience is just your own problem.

With autumn fast approaching (and with it hopefully some better weather) you need to start thinking what you are going to do both in the short and long term. For starters think about creating a border using plants that look good during the autumn months such as the Sedums which need full sun in a well-drained soil and you should divide these every so often to improve flowering. Other plants which you should consider are the ornamental grasses, heleniums and perennials. Other architectural plants where the empahsis is on foliage as opposed to flower power will also be very well suited.

For Spring (yes it will soon be here, even quicker the older you get!) now is the time to sow sweet peas either in cold frames, the greenhouse, conservatory or on the windowsill if you do not have any of the aforementioned buildings. Spring-flowering bedding plants, such as Pansy, Ruffled Pansy, Primula, Polyanthus Wallflowers, Dianthus and violas need to be ordered.

Now is the time to get spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils planted though you can plant these into early winter and still get acceptable results. Remember there are over 10,000 varieties to choose from in a range of shapes, sizes and colour, not forgetting scents, especially for those of you in milder climes. Happy hunting! Other bulbs to choose from include Lilies, Muscari, Tulips Chionodoxa, Anemone, and crocuses are all possibilities among many others. But my all time favourite hs to be the good old English Bluebell

That covers all the exciting stuff for the month but there are a lot chores which need to be done in September. Start by removing jaded flowers from perennials and annual plants to encourage them to continue flowering. If you are interested in wildlife in your garden leave some flowers to develop seed heads, rather than cutting them back, to provide food and shelter for wildlife. For instance some Roses can form hips which will be a good food source for birds and small furry things from beyond the outer edge of the galaxy.

A variety of insect-friendly planting from plants which provide nectar, pollen, shelter etc is likely to attract more insects than a mass planting of flowers providing only nectar or pollen.

If you thought you were getting away without venturing out onto the lawn, WRONG. There are 101 things to do to your lawn this month. To start at the beginning this is the best time for sowing new lawns. Moving quickly on to lawn maintenance which features lawnorobics such as scarifying, aerating and top dressing, not forgetting mowing, carting away cuttings and composting. Do not feed with high nitrogen feeds as this will only result in weak, soft growth, which will be prone to disease in the autumn weather. OK not 101 things to do but plenty of things for you to do.

And when you have done all this try a PIMMS on your beautifully manicured lawn, patio or as more likely, a cuppa from the comfort of your armchair sheltering from the rain.