1. Think about colour schemes

There's a massive range of cheerful colours available throughout spring, from zingy primroses and rich pansies, to heathers, acid green miniature lemon scented conifers, and bulbs, which if you forgot to plant in autumn are widely available to plant in pots now.

Sage notes: "There's plenty of scope for conventional colour schemes, but have you thought about doing it in black and white, using deep foliage plants contrasted with white flowers?"

2. Check out smaller plants

If you haven't much space, you can now find smaller varieties of plants that won't grow too big around your front door area. Smaller types of shrubs, climbers and roses are widely available.

If you want a climber in a pot - one that won't grow too tall but will provide a pretty framework for a front door - Raymond Evison has some beauties, including 'Josephine' and 'Doctor Ruppel' - both clematis.

3. Make it personal

Flowers create more than just a 'welcome mat' to your home, and what you create should match your personality says Sage.

"Consider the type of container you're choosing - that says an awful lot about you. The container needs to complement the brickwork and the design of the front door. If it's contemporary, it could be minimalist, such as spiralled or lollipop topiary."

4. Look at pairs

Some householders with little time for deadheading flowering plants are going grand and opting for pairs of evergreen standards in pots, where the foliage at the top is the focal point and is often shaped into a ball.

Twin bay trees remain a favourite for adding structural impact, while new container-friendly bamboo varieties are also popular.

5. Be inspired by social media

Front doors are being turned into social media sensations - so check out how other householders are accessorising their front doors. The report notes that hanging baskets are once more becoming the nation's go-to for front door dressing.