Green fingers are optional, but you’ll definitely need to solve a lot of match-3 puzzles if you’re going to restore a run-down old garden back to past glories in Gardenscapes.

If you’re looking for puzzles, there are literally thousands of horticulturally themed levels to play in Gardenscapes. Whether your goal is to gather a certain fruit, uncover garden ornaments or transport glasses of lemonade (it always feels like summer in this back yard), you’re never going to be short of something to do – especially as the match-3 action is regularly punctuated with brain-teasing mini-games.

Completing levels earns stars that can be invested in fulfilling tasks on your never-ending to-do list – you may need to carry out essential repairs or instal stylish new garden furniture. You often get a choice of decor, so you can put your own stamp on the estate.

Your guide on this journey is enthusiastic butler Austin. As well as having something to say whenever you give him a nudge, he is extremely well connected. His network of highly skilled friends will be eager to help out on an eclectic range of garden chores, exactly when you need them most.

No elbow grease is required to get these renovations underway. With Austin as your guide, playing Gardenscapes really is as simple as dragging fruit, veg and other produce around the screen until you can match three or more identical items.

You only have a limited number of moves in which to achieve your goals, however, so learning how to use the game’s many boosters and power-ups is essential. Combo moves, for example, in which successful matches lead to subsequent matches, can be the difference between success and failure. You can also join teams with other players online, giving you access to extra lives and in-game currency.

The bow tie-wearing Austin has also featured in Homescapes, another popular title from developer Playrix. He has an in-game backstory and family tree (it turns out his father, William, was also a butler), and even his own social media accounts.