Not much.

I used to cut down all perennials except mums because I really do prefer everything all cleaned up before winter sets in (then I don't have to it in the spring when there's so many other chores to do), but the last couple falls I just haven't had the time. I ended up finding out that it really makes no difference in the health of the garden, it's an aesthetic issue only, and actually spring clean up is easier because I can just gently yank out the dead/decayed foliage which is very quick, as opposed to having to cut it down in the fall - more work and more time consuming.

I have DH blow/rake the fallen leaves onto my beds, that's a must. Also, the services shred and bag neighbor's leaves, so I take my hand cart and collect those and put that lovely shredded leaf mulch down around my landscaping in the front. It's F-R-E-E, the work is already done (save for me looking a little foolish making trips down/across the street with a hand cart and bags of garbage....), and it looks very nice on the beds. So that's another fall must.

I barricade large pots of perennials against the house with bagged leaves to over-winter.

I also make it a point to plant all purchased plants, don't want to store anything I don't have to over the winter.

Other than that - eh, whatever needs to get done I try to get to, I figure if it doesn't get it will be there do in the future.

Thanks for your response mxk3. I use shredded leaf mulch, also, and it's wonderful in the garden. I cut some perennials down but I tend to leave some that have seeds for the birds for the winter. Plus, it gives me somthing to look at besides snow and garden catalogues.
GG

Why do anything?

Ditto, I cut somethings back and let others wait until Spring. It's strictly convenience and doesn't seem to impact the plants. I also mulch heavily from first planting. It works.