Crossword Genius

In the nursery, is nice for playing with (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

conifer

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'in the nursery' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'nice for playing with' is the wordplay.
'nice for' anagrams to 'CONIFER'.
Though, I'm not clear how this is indicated.

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for conifer that I've seen before include "Type of tree" , "In force (anag.)" , "E.g. yew, pine or fir" , "Fir or pine, for example" , "Eg, pine, fir or cypress" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app