The gardener's little boy (3)

I believe the answer is:

den

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

'boy' is the definition.

'the gardener's little' is the wordplay.
'DEN' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for den that I've seen before include "Miserable place" , "Hidden lair of an animal" , "Habitation of wild animals (3)" , "Animal's home or gent's study" , "Cave" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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