People who are within travelling distance of Edinburgh should make use of the city’s Botanic Gardens for inspiration.
Gardening expert Pete Jackson told STV that it is a great place to visit in order to see which plants work well and where in order to plan your own green space for the months ahead.
He advised taking along a sketch book in order to plot out individual areas of your own garden when you get home.
A good plan can then be carried out as soon as the weather warms up, Mr Jackson said.
"Think about the new season that is just around the corner … and before you know it spring will be with us," he advised.
Hardy perennial shrubs could be good plants to incorporate into your garden plan, particularly flowering varieties.
Agapanthus africanus – African blue lily – is a firm favourite at Athela as it looks very attractive with its trumpet-shaped blue flowers in the summer. 
