By now many perennials that have retained winter foliage such as hardy geraniums will be looking a little scruffy so cut back any brown and dead looking foliage to just above the ground to make room for new growth.

Many grasses are left un-pruned over winter to maintain interest so now is the time to bite the bullet and remove any dead foliage. In warmer areas do be wary of any new growth coming though at the base and only take out the dead stuff.

Spring and autumn are good times to divide summer flowering perennials whilst they are not in the growing season. You will notice about 3 years after planting most perennials that they begin to get all clumped together and crowded - this is when they will need lifting and dividing. It is dead simple to do: simply dig the clump up and insert a fork right down the middle, then stick another fork in next to it and prize the clump apart (or do what I do and ram a spade through it and cut it right in half!). Depending on the size of the clump you will be able to increase your stock dramatically, and you may even have some left over for your friends and neighbours. Then simply replant the divided clumps in the appropriate place by mixing in some new compost to the hole. Water it well.

When your snowdrops have finished flowering, it is time to lift congested clumps whilst still ‘in the green’ then replant. Talking of moving things when they are green now is also the ideal time to move any evergreens that you may have planted in the wrong place just before the warmer soil triggers new root growth.

Finally if you have not mulched your beds and borders, get on with it now - it will help warm the soil up, and amongst other benefits, will neaten things up nicely.

The fact is that early spring is the time that we all need to get out, organised and start preparations for the coming year. But do be wary of the odd frost sneaking up and biting you when you least expect it.