LANDSCAPING : A flower day under the waning crescent — the descending moon suits establishment work well. Bare-root roses can go in until March; dig a generous hole, mound the centre slightly, spread the roots outward and firm well. Hellebores settled into light shade now will establish quietly over winter; they resent disturbance once in place, so choose the spot carefully. Cyclamen tubers tucked in at soil surface level in a cool corner ask for very little and reward you with months of colour.
ORCHARD : Bare-root planting continues at a gentle pace. A quince tree or hazel planted now will anchor itself through the coldest weeks. Space currant bushes 1.2 m apart; blackcurrant cuttings taken from healthy stems this month root reliably in a sheltered spot.
INDOORS : Lemon trees and oleanders overwintering under cover need very little water now — once every ten to fourteen days prevents root rot without letting the rootball dry out. Check pots for waterlogging and ensure good ventilation to discourage grey mould.