The window for pruning these 7 shrubs and perennials is right now (if you want to keep them healthy), says an expert horticulturist

Trees and shrubs with autumn colour in a flower bed in front of a property.

October is a magical time of year in the garden, when the colors change and temperatures drop. The first frosts of the year hit, leaves drop from the trees, and borders begin to fall from their summer heights.

There are still fall-flowering, hardy perennials that can stand in full bloom in fall, while many shrubs put on spectacular displays to enjoy. Don't just stand and admire that seasonal glory, though, as October is the perfect time to prune certain hedges, shrubs, and perennials.