LANDSCAPING : The morning hours carry flower-day energy — a fine window to transplant young rose bushes into well-prepared beds, firming the roots in and watering generously. Clematis planted now in a spot with shaded roots and a sunny aspect will establish with surprising vigour; give each plant a cane to guide early shoots. Wisteria can go in against a solid support — it rewards patience, but a good start makes all the difference. Hydrangea divisions transplanted into moist, mulched soil settle in quickly at this time of year.
VEGETABLE PATCH : After the midday sign change, the day shifts to leaf energy — excellent for transplanting young lettuce plants 25 cm apart in rows 30 cm wide, pressing roots into firm contact with the soil. Swiss chard seedlings started under cover can go out now, spaced 35 cm apart in rows 40 cm; their broad leaves will appreciate the lengthening days. In sheltered beds, chives can be divided and replanted 15 cm apart in rows 25 cm — a quick job with a sharp trowel that yields months of harvests. Rocket transplants settle well too: thin to 10 cm in the row, rows 20 cm apart, and expect your first cut in just a few weeks.
ORCHARD : Raspberry canes not yet in the ground can still go in now, 50 cm apart along a prepared row — add a shovelful of compost to each planting hole and water in well. Currant bushes benefit from a mulch of well-rotted compost spread around the base, suppressing weeds and locking in spring moisture.