If nothing else, Hurricane Ernesto assisted in the clearing of some areas that perhaps needed a change. New growth should now be evident in determining whether ‘injured’ plantings are worth retaining with some pruning or in too bad a shape and need replacing. Invariably, some work will need to be carried out to restore damaged plants as well as carry out changes in layout or simply replacement.

October is a good month for pruning any dead, dying or diseased wood and generally pruning, to create a future framework for new growth and longevity of the plant.

With growth slowing, the opportunity to carry out some renewal in the garden is ideal for new plantings to become established, whilst others recover from the hurricane impact.

With lower temperatures in October, it is a good month for planting annuals to give colour and ground coverage for weed suppression.

They can be used predominantly as a front cover to the beds, but also used in drifts between established plantings contingent on them receiving a good light for normal growth, otherwise etiolation will be the result.

Many varieties of colour and height are available; purchasing in ‘six packs’ from the plant nurseries is by far the easiest way, as the young seedlings are starting to become established and will bloom quicker than if seed is sown directly into the soil.

It makes it more interesting if a mix of annuals is planted both in colour and height, with the frontal effect giving a carpet effect.

When purchased from plant nurseries, seedlings are usually in six packs. Check when buying that the young plants have their seed leaves showing and at least several more adult leaves and plants are not thin and spindly, but upright and turgid in appearance.

In tandem with the annuals, and to extend the flowering period, consider shrubs that have repeat or longer blooming times, such as Jatropha hastata ― Peregrine, Tecomaria capensis ― Cape honeysuckle, Rondeletia odorata ― Panama Rose, Cassia sp, Acalypha hispida ― Chenile plant, Plumbago auriculata ― blue and white Plumbago, Thryallis glauca ― Cloth of Gold, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ― Hibiscus, Duranta repans ― Pigeon Berry.

Variegated foliage also adds a visual statement with such plantings of Codiaeum variegatum ― Croton, either as a single plant or in a group; Acalypha musaica, a relative of the Match Me If You Can species, and the Euphorbia splendens milii ― Crown of Thorns which has a haunting appearance in the winter months.

Vines flowering in October, include, Allamanda cathartica Hendersonii ― Allamanda, Pandorea ricasoliana ― Pink Tecoma, senecio confuses ― Mexican Flame vine, Passiflora sp ― Passionflower, Thunbergia grandiflora ― Sky Flower.

Ground cover is an integral part of a garden design not only from a spreading habit to assist in weed control but also flowering, with Lantana varieties being an excellent choice, having a wide range of flower colours, this also applies to Pentas lanceolata which are just as floriferous for a long period of the year.

For a touch of colour try Setcreasia purpurea ― Purple Heart and Gazania nivalis which has grey foliage and yellow flowers.

Ornamental ‘grasses’ produce a visual impact that differs to neighbouring plants, offering a more vertical application to the design concept.

The Pampass grass ― Cortaderia selloana is perhaps the most prominent of garden grasses, however, it is worth considering a mix including, Lemon grass ― Cymbopogon citratus, Fountain grass-Pennisetum setaceum, including the purple foliage variety, and Setaria palmifolia ― Palm leaf grass.

Of a similar nature also consider, Cyperus alternifolius ― Umbrella plant which is a sedge.

To add a touch of ‘architectural’ interest consider, Cycas revoluta – Sago with lush green foliage and ‘cabbage’ like centre, Agave franzosinii with grey green leaves and black tips, Yucca aloifolia ― Adams Needle with spiky sword like foliage, ideal for exposed areas and as it matures creating a multiheaded specimen.

By using flower, interesting foliage, seed, fruit, ‘architectural’ interest, texture and attractive statuary and plant containers the garden becomes a place of visual interest throughout the year.

• Malcolm D. Griffiths is a trained horticulturalist and fellow of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture in Britain. He is also past president of the Bermuda Horticultural Society, the Bermuda Orchid Society and the Bermuda Botanical Society