Keen gardener David Marshall doesn't need to go off to see the Wizard because his efforts have brought the land of Oz to his own home.

Last January, David's son James (7) suggested a Wizard of Oz themed garden to his dad, who became hooked on the idea after reading the book.

"I have tried to feature all aspects of the book in our garden," said David.

"The Yellow Brick Road is wooden deck painted gold and yellow, whilst the Tin Man is something my father helped to create out of recycled bits we no longer needed round the house."

SCARECROW

The initial small project has since grown, with Freuchie Primary School creating the Scarecrow.

Teacher Jennifer Simpson said pupils spent a day during the summer term helping to plant as part of the school's term three project, growing things.

"The children really enjoyed putting the theory they had learnt in class to practice," she added.

David has also shared his project with a wider audience through an online blog at www.growsonyou.com, described as the world's first free social networking site for gardeners.

"I've had a lot of positive feedback from members on the site and it's very encouraging to know so many people support our family project," he said.

Next year's challenge is to come up with plants whose names continue the Wizard of Oz theme.

David's list of more than 100 varieties include Tornado tomato, spinach and leek, Rainbow carrots and peppers and also 'munchkin sunflowers' and Lobelia 'ruby slippers'.

"In my own opinion, there really is no place like home when it comes down to learning about, and improving, the environment and this idea gave me the opportunity to do just that," he said.