It’s a time to turn your attention to unkempt lawns, neglected pots and empty garden beds and ensure that when the sun turns up the heat your garden is glowing.

If you haven’t already given time to planning out your summer garden then now is the time to put pen to paper. Mapping out garden beds, colour, structure and texture in the garden will pay dividends when the garden is in full bloom in the coming months.

Check your pots, cold weather and frosts can cause cracks or damage pots, so make sure to check how your pots are fairing before you fill them with spring colour. Replace old dry soil before you re-plant, fresh soil will give plants the hydration and nutrition needed for the best start and keep them looking great for longer.

For larger areas or garden beds, it’s always a good idea to aim for year round colour by planting a variety of plants that will be at their best during different times of the year so there’s always something to enjoy in the garden.

Planting in drifts with just one or two colours can provide high impact in larger areas and if using seeds or bulbs can be a cost effective way of achieving great results.

Roses are always at their very best during spring, but it’s important to keep an eye out for aphids and control any infestation before your hard work is hampered. Regular dead heading of roses will ensure they keep blooming.

Depending on the size of your garden, one of the biggest jobs can be rejuvenating tired looking lawns. During winter lawn growth is slow, weeds can dominate and high traffic areas from pets can look muddy.

Applying top dressing and new seed over these areas can help. Start by aerating the lawn so that future watering is as effective as possible. Depending on the size of your lawn you can do this with a fork and a little patience.

Once the soil is aerated it’s time to set about fertilising the lawn. While many fertilisers offer a simultaneous weed killer it’s best to opt for one that is specifically for starting seeds, this will remove excess nitrogen and give your newly seeded lawn a healthy start.

There’s plenty to do at this time of the year; from raking fallen leaves to add to the compost or for mulching, to tidying paths and clearing the shed or chicken coup.

Garden tools might benefit from a clean and oil now too to ensure optimum use during the warmer months ahead.

While the list might be long, the rewards are much greater and time spent well now will surely make for a blooming great sight come summer.