GARDENING fans with an interest in the kitchen should head to a North Yorkshire tourist attraction for some green-fingered, culinary gifts.

Everything from tangerine sages to pineapple mints are on offer at Yorkshire Lavender in Terrington, outside Malton, as staff develop their new range of Howardian Herbs.

Owner Nigel Goodwill has been working closely with expert Julia Snowball to bring together an impressive range of more than 100 herbs for the 2003 season.

"Julia is really dedicated to looking for different herbs, not just the few you see in some garden centres," he said.

"Her desk is just covered in books on herbs, she has just about everything."

Blackcurrant sage is already proving a popular buy with chefs looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, he said.

Visitors to the attraction can even try before they buy with some of the home-grown herbs in salads at the tea rooms, which opened for business on Saturday.

Updated: 10:35 Monday, March 31, 2003