The warmth of the sun in March is glorious and here at Standen the south-facing parts of the garden can feel like summer when you are sheltered from the breeze. But we mustn’t be fooled – it’s all too easy to get excited and to start putting out plants and sowing seed which will not cope with the cold nights still to come.

However, there’s still much that can be done at this time of year, such as the first cut of lawns (unless it’s very frosty or wet). A high cut now, followed by successively shorter ones will allow the grass to adapt once again to being cut, and will thicken it up from the base for a better lawn in the summer.

Although it’s too early for the more tender plants, now is an ideal time for planting shrubs and trees – the soil is warming up and there is still plenty of moisture to get the plants growing. Shrubs can provide year-round interest, as well as shelter and food for birds and other wild animals, and there is a wide range available.

In the kitchen garden at Standen, we’re starting off our peas and broad beans. These can be sown directly into the ground but mice sometimes eat the seeds or shoots as they begin to emerge. A good way to reduce this problem is to cover the rows with holly, rose or hawthorn prunings, which will deter the mice, as well as any cats inclined to use the freshly turned soil as a litter tray!

Daffodils and crocus are also looking wonderful at the moment, so do take the time to enjoy your hard work if you planted these in the autumn. If you didn’t, why not start looking at suitable sites in your garden now, for planting up later this year? It’ll give you some pretty spring colour in 2014.

Whatever you do, make sure you take time to enjoy your garden when the sun comes along. If you want a little garden inspiration, pop over to Standen for some gorgeous spring sights and scents.

  • Standen, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4NE, Tel: 01342 323029, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen
  • House, garden, restaurant and shop open every day from Feb 16 to Dec 24 (weekends only from Nov 9 to 24 )