Barbara Stockitt's Guide to Classic Gardening...

November

BUXUS.  Watch for yellowing of the lower branches.  This usually indicates nitrogen deficiency.  The leaves will have a rather uniform yellowing, which is more pronounced on the old leaves.  As the deficiency becomes more acute, the younger leaves become stunted and may become bronze in winter.  Generally boxwood leaves stay on the plant for three years.  If the leaves fall off prematurely, this indicates a lack of nitrogen.  Apply an application of fertilizer granules which is high in nitrogen but do not let the fertilizer touch the surface roots.

TAXUS Bronzing.  Bronzing on Taxus can occur in the Autumn and persist through the winter. It usually recovers the following Spring and Summer. Nobody knows exactly what causes this, though it could be related to the lack of necessary nutriants or too much water or too little water. An inspection of the roots would be advisable and very often the propblem can stem from a poor root system, thus the plant is unable to sustain top growth.
 

Complete planting in the HERBACEOUS BORDER.  Keep fallen leaves clear from the bed.  Keep material handy for protecting tender plants during severe weather.  Straw or fleece would be suitable.

SHRUBS, CLIMBERS AND WALL plants may still be planted as the ground will be retaining some warmth though on clay it would be better to wait until the end of winter.  Whatever the soil the planting of evergreens are best left until April

NEW HEDGES.  Continue to plant deciduous hedges, provided the soil is workable and reasonably dry.  Do not plant evergreen on coniferous hedges once the weather has turned cold.  Plants are liable to lose moisture more rapidly than they can regain it if they are subject to low temperatures soon after planting.  The next safe month for planting is April.

Planting FRUIT TREES.  The usual time to plant is between November and March while they are dormant.  Heel in if conditions are too wet for planting, heel them in a sheltered part of the garden.

MOWING A final cut of the lawn may be needed but do not do this during frosty weather.  Remove all fallen leaves and stack them to form leaf-mould.

ROSES.  These may be pruned now if you live in a mild area. Do not  prune in frosty weather.  Continue and remove weeds and dead ,leaves from the beds.