COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS...DAY 17...GET FRUITY!

This is the perfect time of year to plant fruit plants ready for a bumper crop next year. Fruit plants also make an alternative Christmas present - perhaps a Cranberry plant would be nice and then you could have home-made Cranberry sauce next year? St Bridget Nurseries have a huge selection in their garden centres including Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries plus currants, apples, apricots, figs and pears to name only a few. Visit www.stbridgetnurseries.co.uk/veitch_garden_centre_news.asp?PK_cats=7 for a full list and prices. Plants can be sent by mail so you don't have to live in Devon!

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS...DAY 1For Little Green Fingers...

Gardening is fun and a great activity to entertain children and get them out in the fresh air. Encourage little green fingers by giving them gardening tools that they can use. Childrens gardening tools are not only an original Christmas gift idea but they will last for years as the new range from Yeomans (called Yeominis) have telescopic handles that will grow up with them! The lightweight aluminium handles adjust from 78cm to 94cm, and the metal bladed heads are built to last.

There's a spade, broom, rake and how plus matching wheelbarrow to choose from. All available from St Bridget Nurseries' Clyst St Mary Garden Centre in Exeter. If you can't get there in person, e-mail marketing@stbridgetnurseries.co.uk and they will give you a price for the tools you are after plus postage and packing.