I'm dreaming of a green Christmas

A huge pot ($799) would make an impressive garden feature or for smaller spaces, a happy face plaque ($49) or pots of geraniums ($29.99 each). Red, orange and pink geraniums are available, too. All from Nichol's.

Iceberg roses are always popular. Standard forms are available from Mitre 10 stores ($29.97 each).

For a truly southern Christmas tree, have a rata. Firecracker ($29.99, from Red Barn) grows to just 1m and the glossy green leaves look good when the tree has finished flowering.

Ivy (Hedera) on a frame makes an elegant wreath or pyramid ($19.50 each from Wals Plant Land, Bush Rd, Mosgiel). Kept trimmed, they last for years.

Potted begonias come in a range of colours and make an attractive indoor floral highlight; $15.99 each from The Warehouse.

Easy to grow as a pot plant or outdoors in warmer spots, a Meyer lemon will fruit almost all year round; $19.99 from The Warehouse.

Bronze Baby (Blueskin Nurseries, Waitati, $35.90) is one of a range of standard miniature roses, ideal for a deck or doorstep. Other varieties include Wendy (white), Slice of Heaven (pale gold), Baby Amethyst (mauve), Wee Jock (scarlet) and Pretty...

Patio tomatoes can be grown in any sunny spot. Varieties include Patio Prize, Sweet 100 and Outdoor Pride; $19.99 each from Nichol's.

You won't lose these bright gloves in the garden; $12.96 a pair from Mitre 10 stores.

There's little likelihood of breaking this decorative teapot ($99) nor of using its companion (not shown), a watering can ($119) to water the plants. Both from Gordon Crichton Lighting, Dunedin.

Make it a green Christmas. Gillian Vine has some gift suggestions for garden-lovers.

•Encourage butterflies into your backyard this summer.

Collect a special discount voucher for a swan plant from Nichol's when you visit the Otago Museum "Tropical Forest" this summer and encourage butterflies into your own backyard.

For a second season, the museum and Nichol's Garden Group have teamed up to extend the educational experience offered by the tropical forest into Otago and Southland homes.

Simply present your discount plant tag at a Nichol's outlet and you will save $3 off the purchase of a swan plant, now $4.99.

Adding a swan plant to your garden is an easy and affordable way to entice butterflies to your place.

Because butterflies have very few requirements - just food, shelter and somewhere to lay their eggs - they are much more likely to pay you a visit if they can find a suitable host, and the swan plant is ideal.

A swan plant also makes a great gift to bring butterfly cheer to someone you know this Christmas.

Nichol's has been a supporter of the tropical forest since undertaking the task of its landscaping.

A percentage of the proceeds from each swan plant purchased is contributed to the Otago Museum.

Plant tags offering the discount are available from the Discovery World Tropical Forest at Otago Museum and redeemable only at Nichol's stores.

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