I usually leave mine until they are a total mesh/mush and then clear up. It allows overwintering insects to survive and there are more beneficial over winterers than harmful ones. It depends if you don't mind dead stems. I love them when they are frosted.

Though with the daughters' weddings in October and April, I will be tidying them before Halloween.

I agree with Sbg, leave all until spring, & I hope your knee will be good by then & you will be raring to get out there again. Good luck with both garden & knee!

We tend to leave stuff until Spring too.

I'm beginning to get the message to leave well alone...at least until spring :-)) Thank you everyone.

Oh my! That's a busy challenging Autumn! Enjoy your holiday! Look at it this way - if you don't cut things back the dead stems will protect the crown of the plants. OH will have a lovely time picking up the debris when he gets home later. You just relax and enjoy being looked after when you get back from holiday. All the best for the op.

Let it go till next spring. Things look so dreary anyway late winter early spring with or without removal. Best wishes,
get a good rest in between your physical therapy and by next spring I’m sure you will be looking forward to your garden work.

I am glad I am not the only one. Good luck with the knee op. do your physio as they tell you or it will take ages.

Oh bless you all. I will now be leaving things just as they are. Thank you all so much for your advice and for best wishes for my forthcoming op.