In the garden, a bit of manipulation sets it back (5)
I believe the answer is:
lupin
'in' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.
'garden a bit of manipulation sets it back' is the wordplay.
'LUPIN' is hidden backwards in amongst the letters.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lupin that I've seen before include "Nil up in this flower" , "Flower called after wolf" , "Plant with flowers on long spikes" , "It has tall flower spike" , "Flowering plant" .)