Even though the forecast still has some snow it's time to start designing and buying plants for your containers.

Katrina Diebel, owner of Vale's Greenhouse in Black Diamond says if you want your pots looking fabulous this summer it's time to get started.

"If you have seen a picture in a magazine or on Pinterest, if you bring that pictures in staff at greenhouses can actually help you achieve the same kind of look,"said Diebel.

Diebel added the nice thing about getting your pots started is you can plant them now and enjoy them, and move them in and out to protect them from the weather.

"This is the time of the year where you will find a good majority of the award winning baskets are made."

She also advises to have a good look at pre-made containers for ideas on combinations and the style you like.

A lot of greenhouses offer classes in designing containers.

Diebel added it's time to start hitting garden centres and greenhouses.

"Some of the first things you are going to be wanting to look for are the new and different things."

And if you are digging in your garden you need to be careful with some plants that might be a bit slow popping up.

"You have to be a little bit careful when you are chopping and crunching away. What I often do I is before I start using a shovel I cut things back and have a good look at it and make a little bit of an assessment."

When you head out to the garden try to remember where things are.

"You don't want to step on anyplace or step on anything  that might be a bit slower."

Some plants can break off below the ground when you are chopping and crunching away.

Diebel said wait until the month of June before deciding something isn't coming back because sometimes things take a little bit longer.