Helen Dillon's gorgeous garden in Ranelagh is almost as well known as her various books and journalism on the subject of all things green.
She suggests that any gardener, particularly those recently moved into a new garden or a very old garden where the land might have been starved, would appreciate a few bags of well-rotted manure. If you don't have time to seek out this precious commodity, Helen also recommends a standard holly tree (£45 for half standard size stocked by Mackey's in Dalkey) or a pair of Felko secateurs (from £21 to £48) "because they're absolutely the best".