Too late to cut back, or better late than never?

[springbabydays]

It just kept on flowering and so although I did some maintenance, I didn't want to cut it right back in the autumn. Should I still do it or is it too late? I'm referring to pretty much everything in the garden really. Worried about all the sheltering bugs etc. Can it wait till the warmer weather?

Apologies for garbled OP. Toddler was whingeing in my ear. He's asleep now

So, what I'm asking is should I try and get out there to cut back now, or will the plants be ok if I leave them till spring. Don't want to muck up next year's flowering.

Different plants need different treatment, so I think you need to investigate the plant in question on the RHS or Gardeners World sites, or the dedicated site for the plant: plenty of plants have enthusiasts clubs and on-line advice.

I have the same problem, my garden looks very scruffy now. I'm going to cut down some of the stuff eg ugly black stems of asters (the birds have picked over the seedheads now) but leave some cover for insects and to protect the base of plants in case of harsh weather. Too much cover though and it will also protect the slugs which will then creep out and munch through the new growth in spring - it's a difficult balance.

I'm leaving anything that looks dry and brittle, but anything that looks as if it might be rotting and potentially spreading disease will be coming out.

Was wondering the same thing as new shoots are appearing below some of the perennials. I am not sure, though I think if you leave it for a bit till the end of the month there's no harm done.

I am often late to the winter garden party .... I don't follow any rules and just cut back whatever I have neglected which is usually a lot!

My garden is too big for the amount of time I have so I get behind. Depends whether you would be devastated to lose something (I never have by the way).