o what are you going to buy your family and friends for Christmas?

For the garden enthusiast on your list, look no further than your local plant nursery and garden centre.

Gardeners by their very nature are hoarders, always having ? or believing so ? a use for each and every item.

Tools age and wear and tear reduces their efficiency, equipment breaks down and new items come to market. Furniture and garden ornaments are very popular especially with our climate, as the garden becomes an extension to the house.

After visiting plant nurseries and garden centres the following ideas are offered for consideration as presents or stocking stuffers.

A popular feature in any garden is containers, which originate from many countries and are found in all shapes colours and sizes.

Almost any property can accommodate a container or two; of course they are great on patios and verandahs so they have a multi-faceted appeal.

Creating modules adds interest and diversity to a grouping especially when mixed plantings are part of the total arrangement.

For bold statements stand-alone containers are ideal but the shape and or height are usually the determining factor for the location of choice.

Containers can be strategically placed at a focal point in the garden, or used to make a simple statement on a deck or patio.

Landscape design is more than just placing plants in the garden, for a real impact and in my opinion, a major element in a design are artefacts or statuary.

I am not talking of the ubiquitous 'English gnome' or poorly-made concrete figures.

For those who find Desmond Fountain's superb works out of their range, a visit to the local garden centre will open horizons as to what is available.

Stone plinths and obelisks can be placed in amongst the shrub garden to offer relief and interest.

Marble or similar figurines create focal points if place correctly and open the landscape to a new dimension.

Garden furniture has changed over the years, with today's styles being found in many materials colours and styles.

Wood is a reliable material if maintained as it ages with time, tables and chairs with an accent for garden usage are available in numerous styles.

The pool deck is also an important area of the landscape and a link between house and garden; here furnishings should accommodate the need of the area, and materials are usually of a light metal, fibreglass or plastic.

As we use the garden area throughout the year, consider creating an additional 'patio' either adjacent to the house or in a large expanse of lawn, this gives additional space when entertaining and adds interest to the landscape in general.

Make the area large enough to accommodate tables and chairs, and perhaps a barbecue and some containers, an outdoor room for relaxing!

Tools are becoming more ergonomically friendly with the likes of secateurs, edge clippers, loppers et cetera.

A good product line is the Stihl range of tools and equipment which includes chainsaws for amateurs and professionals, telescopic saws and pruners, weed strimmers and vacuums.

Lawnmowers, if not maintained, fall by the wayside with a reduced efficiency; remember there are two types of mower one should use on lawns ? if one wants the best results ? the all encompassing rotary mower with various height settings and the reel mower.

The reel mower is underused in Bermuda.

For a good thick low mown lawn ? with correct maintenance ? using a reel machine allows a control for consistent height of cut, with the sole plate and reel blades being the agents of control.

The more blades the 'finer' the cut, and with regular maintenance a reel mower should last for years; reel mowers should be used for maintaining Zoysia and hybrid Bermuda grass especially for those who play croquet and bowls.

Plants just like Allspice for Men are a good fall back for last-minute presents.

I have always been a proponent of using the right plant for the desired location, nurseries now seem to be growing a wider range of material, whether by design or accident to cover this need.

Cacti and succulents as well as ornamental grasses are an in vogue item for the garden, with one nursery in particular stocking a selection of Kalanchoe, Crassula and Sedum.

Several varieties of Artemesia ? a grey-foliaged, low-growing, spreading plant ? have also proven themselves to be a good ground cover and relatively wind tolerant.

Some selections for containers: Beaucarnea recurvata ? Pony tail, slow growing, upright trunk with strap like leaves with a bulbous shape forming at the base as it matures; Thysanolaeana maxima ? Tiger grass, an attractive 'heavy' foliage grass which needs room to grow but makes a bold statement on its own; or, Dianella tasmanica variegate ? flax lily, another strap like foliage with stunning impact foliage to off-set surrounding material, or just as a stand-alone specimen.

The gift list is limitless even if just replacing an old garden fork or spade the recipient will be grateful not only for the thought but the long-term effects on the landscape itself.

Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.