Episode: #13 9/12/06
Presenter: Phil Dudman

Christmas is fast approaching, and if you are anything like Phil, then you have probably left your preparations a bit late. Well the good news is there is one place where you will find all sorts of wonderful Christmas ideas and that is at Botanix Lifestyle Garden Centre.

We all know first impressions count and where better to start setting the scene than the front door, with a native inspired wreath from the Botanix florist, this is Australia after all.

The team at Botanix has sourced some new and interesting Christmas decorations as well.

One of the most exciting events in the house is putting up the Christmas Tree and there is nothing like having the real thing. Potted trees like Norfolk Pines (Araucaria heterophylla) are a great option because you can use them to decorate your home all year round.

Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) all wrapped up makes a terrific gift for any plant lover.

The Botanix gift shop has many more unique gifts to discover. Take a look at the Settler bears. They are very cute and look great. Any child will love them, even the child in all of us.

On a more practical note, there is the Eva Solo self watering pot, perfect for that time away from home. It is very stylish and the plant maintains itself. Also in the Eva Solo range is the unusual and striking bird feeder, just perfect for our favourite feathered friends.

When it comes to gifts the margarita hamper is just the thing to get everyone in the mood. It is a great little hamper has everything you need to whip up the perfect margarita, pina colada or strawberry daiquiri, which is the perfect 'pick me up - cool me down ' on a hot Queensland Christmas day.

Herbs make a great living gift and Phil always loves just a simple combination of culinary herbs. You could also try a herb tea combo with mint, bergamot and pineapple sage. Even singular Rosemary in a pot makes a welcome gift but more importantly it is great to have on hand to flavour and decorate the lamb roast.

Anthuriums also look great with their lovely red and white Christmas colours. There are many other plants you can also try. Peace Lily?s always look elegant with their pure white spathes and mandivillas (Mandevilla cv. Sun Parasol? ?Crimson Fantasy?) can be displayed indoors and then planted out in the garden.

There are ideas everywhere you turn at Botanix so come and take a look. Everyone there looks forward to helping you make this Christmas a season to remember.

Botanix Lifestyle Garden Centre

Nelson Rd
Wellington Point Qld
07 3822 1111
www.botanix.com.au