LANDSCAPING : First Quarter energy is building — a flower day runs through most of the day, making this a fine window for flowering shrubs and ornamentals. Divide established clumps of heather and replant divisions 30 cm apart in acid soil, firming each crown well. Lavender that has finished blooming can be lightly trimmed now; remove spent flower stems without cutting into old wood, then mulch the base with gravel to lock in warmth. Dahlia tubers planted earlier in the season will benefit from a top-dressing of mature compost worked in gently around the base — avoid disturbing the roots.
VEGETABLE PATCH : Cauliflower and broccoli transplants raised under cover are ready to move to their final beds. Settle cauliflower plants 60 cm apart in the row with 70 cm between rows, firming the soil well at the collar so roots grip quickly. Broccoli goes in at 50 cm in the row, 60 cm between rows — on sandy ground, water each planting hole before dropping the rootball in to prevent the roots drying before they establish. Adding a bucket of compost per square metre to the bed beforehand will give these hungry brassicas the nitrogen they need to build strong heads.
ORCHARD : Wisteria has thrown out long summer laterals — cut them back to five or six leaves from the base now to channel energy into next year’s flower buds. Raspberry canes that have finished fruiting can be cut to the ground; remove them cleanly to improve airflow and reduce disease pressure on the new canes coming through.
After the evening sign change, the day shifts to a leaf day: hold back any flower-focused work and instead focus on light maintenance tasks, checking ties on climbers like clematis and clearing debris from around hydrangea bases.