Shopfront: A lemon tree is an unusual gift worth considering for a new homeowner - or indeed, anyone at all. And you'll find one at Mackeys Garden Centre between Dalkey and Sandycove.

A full-grown tree, complete with lemons, costs €100 and a less developed tree, €55. (Going for one without lemons is pointless, so spend the extra money unless you have the patience to wait for them to grow).

The reason to buy one is partly to provide a ready conversation piece and partly as a decorative feature: they are exceptionally attractive plants.

A lemon tree does need care though. It must be placed in a sheltered spot and cannot be exposed to central heating. Mackeys also sells various potions to help the tree grow.

Mackeys Garden Centre, Castlepark Road, Sandycove, Co Dublin. Tel 01 2807385