It is funny how the memory plays tricks on us gardeners.

Several people I have spoken to lately have remarked on the severity of the winter, and how far behind our plants are this year, compared to previous years.

This morning I went back through some February articles from earlier years and guess what, things were just about at the same stage in most of the last ten years: Lenten lilies and snowdrops in flower, and me champing at the bit waiting for Brunneras, Bergenias, rhododendrons and the like.

A neighbour called round yesterday, asking for advice about tree surgeons.

His elderly mother had engaged the services of a man to prune deadwood out of two of her garden trees.

In this case, the bloke had done some work in her garden before, so they knew he was reliable, but there are things to look out for when employing someone you don’t know to prune trees, cut hedges or do one-off jobs in the garden.

First off, never employ anyone who turns up on the doorstep asking for work. These are generally not bona fide gardeners or tree people, just opportunists who prey on the elderly and the naive.

Use someone who advertises regularly in your local paper or who is recommended by friends, and ask for references from places they have worked before. Check if they would prefer to be paid by cash or cheque – people working only for cash are usually working outside the tax system, unqualified and untrained.

If someone is offering to prune or take down large trees in your garden, they should have NPTC qualifications and certificates, together with public liability insurance.

Anyone working with chainsaws should have the proper clothing and safety equipment. This should include padded, Kevlar trousers, protective boots, and chainsaw helmet with visa and ear defenders.

It is not rude or cheeky to ask if a prospective tree surgeon has all this gear and paperwork, it’s just common sense.

If they drop a tree limb on your car or on a neighbour’s best plants you may be liable, or if they chop off one of their own limbs you may be calling the ambulance!

So make a list of your requirements and check that they are all covered before work starts.

Anyone worth their salt won’t object, and anyone who does object probably wasn’t worth employing in the first place.

As for payment, well all this equipment, insurance and training doesn’t come cheap. Don’t expect to pay £5 an hour for a qualified tree surgeon. Get a written quote (two or three quotes if you like), and check whether it includes disposal of branches etc.

Agree a price and only pay once the work is completed to your satisfaction; never pay money up front.

Jobs this week: Start Dahlia tubers into growth now if you want to increase your stock by taking cuttings. Otherwise wait a week or two.

Clear off any weeds from herbaceous and shrub borders. Any time spent weeding now will save twice as much time later in the season.

Sow sweet peas, peppers and tomatoes in the greenhouse or on a windowsill.