The gardener in your life will always appreciate a Christmas present that he or she can use for as much as a lifetime.

Decorative and functional gifts are an asset to any garden with functional items an essential tool in any garden shed.

Plant nurseries have, over the last several years, developed a good cross-section of additional merchandise for this time of year.

Gifts can be as simple as a pair of secateurs or as exotic as a pair of amphora to highlight the front entrance.

Tools are a most welcome gift and if maintained on a regular basis will last for many years; consider the following items for the gardener in your house.

Dutch hoes are in my opinion one of the best tools in any garden, they are simplicity in themselves to use and can be used in speedy fashion to break up the soil surface in any bed quick-time with a simple push action.

Secateurs or hand pruners should be purchased with longevity in mind, therefore purchase to the top price range; they usually have adjustable settings in this price range.

I prefer the anvil type with a flat surface for making the cut. Loppers are an excellent tool when pruning material that a pair of secateurs cannot handle, i.e. thicker branches; again, I believe those with an anvil surface are superior in their cutting habit (contingent on the cutting blade being sharp) and can cut through pencil thick to thumb thick wood. Loppers can be found in medium size and long handles are necessary for thicker branch cutting. Long arm loppers with extension arms are very useful for tree work or large shrubs.

Sprayers are an integral part of the "tool collection". No good garden should be without one or two sprayers; small hand types – up to one gallon – are good for small jobs such as seedlings and spot treatments whereas knapsack sprayers are good for bigger jobs and when spraying the garden as a preventative measure.

In tandem with sprayers, measuring cups are a must in order to create the correct ratio of concentrate to water. When spraying, it is very sensible to use protective clothing when carrying out same; the main items being goggles, waterproof gloves, chemical-resistant coveralls and Wellington boots; for "stronger" chemicals, respirators are also advisable.

Saws are found in numerous styles and sizes from the small hand pruning saw to a large chainsaw. Small pruning saws are very handy for removing snagged branches and removing wood difficult to remove with secateurs or loppers.

Long arm extension saws similar to long arm loppers are also very useful for removal of branches above reachable height.

Chainsaws can be found from a 12-inch blade up to a 40-inch blade with the lesser lengths being more suitable for the average garden.

For the lawn enthusiast, a good mower is worth its weight in gold, but remember Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grasses should be cut with a rotary mower, whilst Zoysia requires a reel mower if it is to look its best, and when cut correctly resembles a putting green … now there's an idea!

Other accessories for the garden include wheelbarrows, hand tools, garden gloves, fertiliser applicators or spreaders.

Containers have made their mark over the last several years and are a great asset to any garden, especially when located to catch the eye. Terracotta or clay pots are still available but the emphasis now appears to be on the more decorative type container, whether in colour, shape or size. Containers can make bold statements in many areas especially with the right type of plant material; consider areas such as the front entrance, on the patio, corner of a patio or pool deck, along the driveway or in a plant border. Size and shape will dictate type of plant, be it flower, size, leaf shape or colour and habit.

Garden statuary is under-used in Bermuda, but makes a great addition and talking point; statuary or garden ornaments include statues, stoneware of various shapes; metalwork, old wheelbarrows and such miscellanea. When placing in the desired location it should be easily seen and make the statement of its presence.

Fragrance in the garden is always a delight, and to supplement the olfactory senses the fragrance of candles and the ambient light enhances any patio or outdoor area. Outdoor lighting is also a relatively new experience to Bermuda; it presence adds interest to the garden and surrounds of the house by creating a warmth as the light sheds its rays over the flora and structure of the house. It also acts as a deterrent for would be intruders.

The selection of gifts for garden lovers – and not so lovers – is extensive, but not necessarily expensive; the choice is yours.

Have a Peaceful and Enjoyable Christmas, then get back in the garden to reduce the excess poundage, after all you may be the recipient of one of the above!