Peter Dowdall: My top ideas for choosing garden-themed gifts 

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

Something that flowers at the time of a birthday is a good present to give, a prunus or malus, which will flower during April and May. Picture: iStock

I saw a great piece of botanical art recently and as it was of herself’s favourite flower, I thought, now that would make a nice Christmas gift. It really was a tenuous attempt at justifying buying it for myself, don’t think I would have got away with it, jewellery will be expected. 

Though, aren’t you supposed to give something as a gift that you would like to receive yourself? Perhaps I’ll go for it, I’ll keep you posted.