AUTUMN is still a colourful time in the garden, what with the leaves beginning to fall from the trees, not to mention the array of flowers and berries.

A well-maintained garden can often reach its peak in this season, but this does not mean you can take a rest and hang up your gardening tools!

The autumn garden can be challenging but rewarding, and is the perfect time to plan major alterations to your garden layout.

Berries and fruits contribute to the richness of autumn hues, and if you are planning to plant further fruit trees now is the perfect time as the tree will have time to settle in before the severe frosts. For new trees it is also wise to tie a stake to the trunk of the tree to avoid it being blown over in any autumn winds.

Autumn is the best time to sow a new lawn as the soil is warmer and seed germinates quicker. Autumn rains avoid the need to water and the lawn will be ready to use the next summer.

Break up the soil by digging to at least 225mm (9in). Break up any compacted soil well if you suspect poor drainage.

If the soil is poor add well rotted manure or compost. If the soil is heavy add lots of grit to improve soil structure and drainage.

Test the soil with a soil-testing kit. The ideal soil pH is between 5.5 and 6. If your soil is very acid (below pH 5) apply ground limestone at about 50g/metre squared (2oz/yard squared) to correct.

Level the site, breaking up large lumps of soil and removing stones. Thoroughly firm the ground by walking slowly over the site on your heels. Lightly rake level.

Top dress with a general all-purpose fertiliser, either Growmore or an organic equivalent. You'll need about 50g/metre squared (2oz/yard squared). Lightly rake in.

Wait a few weeks for the inevitable weed seedlings, then spray with weed killer (a glyphosate or Paraquat herbicide). Repeat until clear.

Obtain an appropriate seed mix. You can choose an ornamental, hard-wearing or shade tolerant mix. Calculate the area of your new lawn and buy sufficient seed at a sowing rate of 40g/metre squared (1.5oz/yard squared), which is approximately one handful per metre squared (yard squared).

Choose a day after rain but when the surface is drying out. Gently rake over to loosen the top surface.

Mix the seed with dry soil or sand to spread further. Divide the mix in half and sow the complete area with one half moving from right to left. Then sow the other half moving from front to back, to ensure even coverage. Sow by marking out squares and scattering handfuls at a time or hire a seed drill.

Lightly rake over the surface again to cover some of the seeds and protect from birds with plastic netting, or use fleece for speedier germination. Alternatively, crisscross the area with black cotton held about 150mm (6in) above ground level between canes.

If no rain falls within a few days use a lawn sprinkler to gently water the surface. Once the seeds are growing well, remove netting. Once the lawn has reached about three inches high next spring you can give it its first, light, cut.