SPOTLIGHT ON...

IT’S that time of year again – the clock is ticking on Christmas shopping.

So if you’re stuck for ideas, head for the garden centre or type “garden gifts” into Google and you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s something for everyone, whatever your budget.

If you’re looking for something for the whole family, what about a terracotta chiminea or a state-of-the-art barbecue? Both are perfect for roasting chestnuts, nuts, creating instant t Dickensian ambience.

My top choice would be a greenhouse. It’ll give hours of pleasure re all year round. If they hey already own one, e, then how about t

A nest box, garden boots or secateurs would all be welcome gifts for gardeners adding useful accessories, such as multistorey staging or a heated propagator, or a few home comforts like a greenhouse radio, swivel stool or potting bench?

For first-time gardeners, a set of gardening tools, a small mower, a shed or some good-quality garden furniture all go down well. Slip-on rubber gardening wellies, a decorative cast-iron boot scraper or a welly rack are also good, practical presents.

Other welcome possibilities include topiary shears, which are handy for a whole range of jobs, good secateurs with a holster-style belt b or an unusual and attrac attractive hanging basket.

And anything to do with wildlife is bound to be w well received. Garden centres are packed with feeders, nest boxes, birdbaths and all the gear to att attract nature into yo your garden.