Q: I bought several plants recently that were great buys: althea, crepe myrtle, camellia, azalea, magnolias and rhododendron. We are having grading done for a new driveway and retaining walls. What is the best way to take care of the plants in the meantime?

A: You can heel in the shrubs. Dig a long trench a foot deep and put a line of bricks in the bottom to set the pots on. The keeps the roots above any water that accumulates in the trench. Put your plants and pots in place and stuff leaves around them. Water the evergreens when it’s windy and plant them as the landscaping job allows.