LANDSCAPING : A flower day runs through most of the day — a welcome prompt to get ornamental beds in order before the season accelerates. Set out bare-root roses now: dig a generous hole, spread the roots naturally, and backfill with a mix of soil and compost, firming gently so the union sits just at soil level. Sweet pea seedlings raised under cover can be transplanted 15 cm apart in the row, rows 40 cm, against a trellis or wigwam of canes — they’ll thank you with weeks of fragrant blooms. Lavender planted today in well-drained, sunny ground will establish quickly; space plants 40 cm apart and press soil firmly around each root ball. Divide overgrown clumps of primrose after flowering and replant sections immediately, watering in well.
ORCHARD : Grapevines and fig trees planted this week in a warm, sheltered spot will settle in before summer heat arrives. For grapevines, dig a deep hole, position the plant with the bud union 5 cm above soil level, and stake firmly. A light dressing of compost worked into the base of raspberry canes will fuel the new growth already pushing up from the soil.
VEGETABLE PATCH : Before the sign change in the evening, cosmos and zinnia transplants can go into prepared beds — 25 to 30 cm apart, rows 30 to 40 cm — while the flower day still holds. Cauliflower and broccoli modules started earlier will be ready to plant out in six weeks; prepare their beds now with a layer of compost. After the sign change, the day shifts to a leaf day: a fine moment to check on lettuce transplants and freshen the bed with a light hoe.