Palm trees could be sprouting in gardens throughout Oxfordshire, thanks to an enterprising new firm.

Joe Devlin

Brothers Simon and Mark Walker and Joe Devlin set up Continental Plants to import ready-potted plants from Tuscany in Italy because they believe they have spotted a niche in the gardening market.

Simon Walker said: "We realised there is a market for higher quality products in this area."

He added that the palms are hardy and capable of surviving severe frosts.

The plants and topiaries, priced from £20, are available from Eggs Eggsetera, Botley Road, Oxford.