The idea of an evergreen hedge is seductive. Now is the time to plant one. Soak the rootballs in water before you plant, water generously after planting, and make sure that they don’t dry out for the next 2-3 months.
One of the brightest spring foliage shrubs is Spiraea ‘Goldflame’, recognisable for its coppery growth. To maintain the colour, it needs pruning now to take out the wispy growth and shorten the strong. Less is more.
Keep an eye on shrubs that are early into leaf. If a frosty night threatens to blacken the growth, throw a fleece or sheet of polythene over them.
Potted agapanthus, kept indoors in winter, can be watered now, lightly, to start it into growth. Don’t give it sudden warmth and a soaking — it cannot go outside until May.