ORCHARD : The Last Quarter passed in the early hours, and the descending moon settles the day into fruit energy — a fine prompt to get bare-root trees into the ground before the soil hardens further. Apple and pear trees planted now will have the whole winter to establish quietly; dig a generous hole, work in a bucket of well-rotted compost, and set the union point 5 cm above soil level. Space apple trees at least 4 m apart for standard forms. Quince and hazel are equally at home planted today — both reward a thorough mulch of wood chip, 8 cm deep, kept clear of the trunk collar.
LANDSCAPING : If you have roses delivered bare-root, heel them in temporarily if the ground is frozen, or plant them straight away in a prepared bed with a handful of bone meal worked into the base of the hole. Hellebore transplants settle well in this period too — choose a spot with light shade and moisture-retentive soil, and avoid moving them again once established. Winter jasmine benefits from having its stems tied in now before winter winds loosen the framework; trim any dead wood lightly.
INDOORS : Lemon trees and oleander overwintering under cover need very sparing water this month — check that pots drain freely and that no water sits in the saucer. If you have a camellia in a pot, move it to a frost-free but cool spot and water with lime-free water only.