The pressure is on to plant summer-flowering bulbs (pictured) and cut back any dead foliage left on perennials which are beginning to throw out new growth.

If the daffodils are looking past their best, dead-head them, but leave the foliage untouched. Better still, water the leaves with a weak general-purpose fertilizer.

Start weeding – anything which has taken root where it’s not welcome.

Mow the lawn when conditions allow – that means when it’s not too wet or frozen. If that’s just not possible, trim the edges. Applying a combined moss killer/fertilizer will help green up the lawn.

Prune early-flowering shrubs; tie in shoots of rampant climbers; check the supports of trees and shrubs to make sure they are fit for purpose.