Practical gifts are always welcome and invariably are well used for the rest of their useable life. Instead of the usual All Spice or sweater that never gets worn, the avid and not so avid gardener is well represented in the gift market at all the local plant nurseries.

For the small garden hand tools are always a good bet, with such items as secateurs/hand pruners being very useful for pruning small branches, but do not buy the really cheap ones, they will not last. Trowels will make planting bulbs or seedlings a snip whilst hand forks will remove a good size weed roots and all. For the larger garden a set of stainless steel tools will certainly be much appreciated, consider a digging fork, edging fork for lawns, a half moon for cutting clean edges, a soil and or grass rake for giving a smooth grade to the finished product. For the gardener with a large garden and numerous large trees, a chain saw is always a valuable asset, and to really make their day a small chipper would be environmentally a sound investment. Compost is a much underused amendment in the garden so chipping and composting will create good humus for mixing into the flower beds. To keep a lawn looking good, consider giving a drop spreader or broadcast spreader, the drop for smaller gardens and the broadcast for larger lawns, will apply fertilisers at the recommended rates shown on the labels.

For those who potter around in the tunnel or slat house small dibbers are a good tool for pricking young seedlings out from seed trays, whilst a good watering can with several size rose heads (sprinkler heads) will be ideal for watering in small plants and young seedlings. Heating mats are useful during the cooler months as they give a boost to seed germination when laid flat on the bench.

Garden or patio furniture can bring an area to life not just aesthetically but functionally as well; when one considers the amount of times we can utilise the outdoor areas it makes sense to create patios or seating areas. To increase the usage and pleasure of outdoor areas keeping the area warm with fire pits or similar is just the thing to continue the barbecue season. For the man of the house or the lady if she gets it first, relaxing in a hammock is a wonderful way to spend some time especially on a warm afternoon and reading – a garden book of course! Patio areas can be enhanced by the wide variety of pots and containers readily available in numerous shapes, colours and textures. If purchasing a planted container, remember that some day the plant will be too large for the existing root zone, if you need to remove the plant from the pot for planting in the garden, ensure that the container is wider at the top than at the base, for easy extraction.

Several nurseries have imported a selection of fruit trees which are still available in limited numbers; it is always a challenge to try something new and growing and producing ones own fruit is certainly gratifying. Plums, pears, peaches, figs and apples are but a few of the fruit types imported. Fruit trees that flower in the early part of the year will require protection from winds, simply because 'no flower no fruit', therefore ask your nurseryman what the plant requires for the tree to produce fruiting growth.

An unusual and perhaps an imaginative gift for your spouse would be a gift of landscape lighting. As the outdoor areas are used more than ever, especially with fire pits keeping you warm on a cooler night, the use of landscape lighting to enhance the gardens ambience extends the use of the outdoors for entertaining or just relaxing. It will also act as added security around the house.

I have an affinity for using artefacts in the garden; they can add a touch of individuality whilst creating interest by their placement, shape or structure. Statues of course are the classic decoration in many historic gardens, with other forms of artistry also being eligible as a statement – Par-la-Ville Garden being an example. Formal gardens are the classic setting for such works, however a well thought out design can incorporate art work in numerous ways, from a simple globe or sphere to an intricate water feature.

Placement is the key to success, a statue or other artefact should have a prominent position in the landscape be it in a flower bed or as a stand alone piece. I can be highlighted by surrounding foliage or set off by placement on a hard foundation such as black gravel or coloured stone work; up lighting will also offer an interest during the evening hours.

The above suggestions will hopefully inspire you to be creative in your gift giving this Christmas, and may you have a bountiful and healthy 2009.