From our windows at Style Gardens we've noticed the occasional leaf falling from surrounding trees, signalling the onset of autumn.

Childhood memories of crisp, crunchy horse chestnut leaves to wade through in the park belie the soggy nature of leaves once left on a lawn during wet weather.

A coating of leaves may cause fungal diseases to develop on the turf, so be sure to collect them up as soon as possible using a spring-tine rake, and store them in a wire container or black bag with holes in the sides to allow air to circulate.

After a year or so, the leaves will rot down to form a delicious dark brown organic mulch for your borders.

Before leaf fall begins in earnest, stretch netting with small holes across the surface of garden ponds which are situated under trees, to prevent falling leaves rotting in the bottom and turning the water green and slimy.

This can be removed, together with the leaves, at the end of the season, and the leaves can be recycled as above.

Remove fallen leaves from paths and pavements, before they become slippery and cause a nasty accident.

If you have a garden vacuum, but can't use it on gravel areas because it sucks up the gravel too, turn the setting to 'blow' and aim for a corner of the garden from which the leaves can be picked up using two pieces of wood.

Take some close-up photos of your trees in autumn, and make your own colourful greeting cards!

Happy Gardening!