LANDSCAPING : Before the change (evening), flower day — the waxing crescent sits low but purposeful, a good morning to focus on flowering plants while the flower day holds. Tuck tulip bulbs 15 cm deep and 10 cm apart in freshly loosened beds; on heavier soils, drop a handful of coarse sand beneath each bulb to prevent waterlogging over winter. Hyacinths go in at 12 cm deep, while crocus corms find their depth at 8 cm — mix all three in a single border for a staggered spring display. Chrysanthemums still in pots can be eased into open ground now, spaced generously to allow airflow and reduce botrytis risk. Take a moment to add compost around established roses before the ground cools further.
ORCHARD : After the evening change, the day shifts to a leaf day — a natural cue to turn attention to woody plants and hedging. Camellia and rhododendron both appreciate a top-dressing of ericaceous compost worked gently around their root zones without disturbing the shallow roots. Hellebore transplants settle well in this period; choose a lightly shaded spot with moisture-retentive soil and plant them without disturbing the root ball — they resent being moved twice. Lavender planted in well-drained, sunny spots will anchor before frost; trim any straggly stems but avoid cutting into old wood. In Mediterranean climates, oleander can still go out now; elsewhere, move container specimens under frost-free cover before temperatures dip.
INDOORS : Lemon trees and olive trees growing in pots need to come inside before the first sharp frost — a cool, bright room between 5 and 10 °C suits them well. Water sparingly through winter and resist the urge to feed until March.