Dividing ostrich ferns in early spring
Lift the crown before the fiddleheads open, cut cleanly, replant at the same depth and water well for a fortnight.
Letting moss take the path
Stop raking, keep it shaded and damp, and in two seasons the gravel disappears under a soft green carpet.
A second rain barrel
The shade bed is thirsty in July. Two linked barrels now carry it through three dry weeks.
Hostas, slugs and patience
Copper tape, night walks with a torch, and accepting a few lacy leaves by August.