And if you are thinking of selling (gardens)

It's been a quiet time in terms of house sales.

If your house has been on the market for a while, or you are looking for a spring sale and your garden has taken to the wild side, don't despair. We can help with a one-off tidy up, but do remember that:

1. People buy potential. Show the size of the plot by cutting back larger shrubs.

2. Light matters; inside and out. Consider different ways of increasing or protecting it.

3. Your garden doesn't need to be perfect - just cared for, if a bit wild. Neglect implies you've lost interest and want shot of it which can invite lower offers.

4. You can take some plants and cuttings with you. Think about this ahead of time and try not to leave a mess or empty hole in your beds for your buyer.

Don't fall into the trap of trying to ensure your garden is the best it's ever looked. It is human nature to try and achieve perfection in order to move on, but it will waste time and energy that you'll need to move and settle properly into your new home. Work out what is good enough, both to sell and live with yourself. Set about securing that, and no more. Nature will do the rest.

Finally, if marketing in April, don't start weeding now. You will simply end up repeating a task that otherwise might just need doing once. Also, weeds come out easier when bigger, and some can look rather pretty! Give both them and you a break, take a deep breath and just establish what you are going to do and when, in order to get the best result. Then, either do it or delegate. This is where we can come in. You may have other bigger things on your plate!