A nationwide survey has revealed that 91 per cent of Brits spend £12,000 on maintaining their garden in a lifetime.

This figure equates to half a year's average national salary (£32,779), £200 every year, or a standard family hatchback.

Gardening equipment purchased in the hopes of achieving a prefect lawn emerged as the chief spend, with approximately £200 a year going towards this cause, the research from PrimaLawn revealed.

To really impress your guests with your lawn at Christmas, the BBC's Colin Evans recommends clearing the grass and any other rubbish.

He also advises gardeners to mow their lawns as this will give them the upper hand over people who claim that it is too wet or too cold to get the job done.

For advice on caring for your lawn, visit Lawns.