I feel as though I am forever discussing the weather at the moment but then, I doubt very much that I'm the only one - and why break from the British stereotype? We didn't quite have the heatwave we were promised the weekend before last. But, nonetheless, on cue, dedicated Brits were out barbecuing, as temperatures reached the heady heights of 17˚ C in some parts. We'll leave out the bit about 19mph winds, as even that didn't deter some people.

Talking to Waitrose buyers at a recent press event, they said that the grocer was taking the weather forecast seriously and priming itself for a potential rush on gardening items and summer food over the weekend, so hopefully retailers did see some sort of lift after what seems like an eternity of rain, snow and whatever else Mother Nature has chosen to throw at us.

Recent predictions say that the warm climate is likely to bring an influx of slugs in coming months. Not ideal for your average gardener, of course, but a great opportunity for retailers to promote pest control ranges and, failing that, a host of plants and vegetation to replace those devoured by the slimy critters.

Thankfully there are also opportunities for woodcare suppliers, with homeowners increasingly incorporating wood into their interior décor schemes. As long as consumers continue to embrace the natural wood-look in their homes or update cupboards with a lick of paint, the woodcare category has something to tide it over until the army of impatient gardeners up brushes and head outside to spruce up their neglected sheds, fences and decking.