Horticulture Christmas present advice

Former Gardeners World presenter Monty Don has explained that those shopping for a Christmas present for a garden and greenhouse enthusiast have a number of options.

For men, he suggested that anything with a blade will prove popular, with his two top hints being a good pair of secateurs and a handy garden pocket knife.

Investing in quality brands, such as Felcos secateurs – which "last for years" – is also likely to draw a smile from the recipient as they will keep their edge longer, Don said.

A pocket sharpener can be a good addition to a gift of tools, with spades, hoes and scythes also popular.

A holster for the secateurs can come in handy to save them from causing damage to clothes or skin, Don asserted.

He added that beginner gardeners might appreciate a propagating kit to place in their greenhouse or windowsill.

Monty Don has previously revealed how horticulture helps him deal with depression, from which he has suffered for a number of years.