Weekend Work: Time to tie up climbers

What to do

Wind, one of the gardener's worst enemies, has been flexing its muscles again recently. Tie up any climbers that have been torn from their moorings and secure new growths of climbing roses.

Finish planting spring bedding plants such as wallflowers, polyanthus and forget-me-nots. The latter make a pretty undercarpet for tulips, especially the white-flowered 'White Triumphator' or the stubby double 'Angelique'.

Plant lilies, which are best moved just after they have finished flowering. The martagon lily is a hardy species that will thrive in sun or shade. Put the bulbs about 23cm (9in) apart and 10cm (4in) deep, with a sprinkle of sharp sand under them to deter underground slugs. Mulch in spring with compost or leafmould. The ordinary type has dirty purple flowers, but there is also a lovely white form.

What to see

Visit the wonderful Courson Plant Fairs, held in the park at the Domaine de Courson, 91680 Courson-Monteloup (south of Paris). The autumn fair opens on Fri 14 Oct (2-6pm) and continues on Sat 15 Oct (10am-6pm) Admission €16. You can do the whole journey by train: Eurostar to Paris, then RER to Massy-Palaiseau. Exit on line B or C and there will be a bus waiting to take you to the fair. For more information call +33 64 58 90 12 or visit domaine-de-courson.fr