The act of giving always has good repercussions. What do you give the gardener for Christmas this year? I’m probably biased, but on the gift front, gardeners are among the easiest to shop for. The possibilities are endless but here are a few ideas.
PRACTICAL: Gloves have to be the most basic necessity. They fray, shrink, disappear. A gardener cannot have enough of them. My favorite are the brand “Foxgloves” which feel like a second skin. Not only are they protective, they are pretty, available in assorted colors. You can find them on fishhead.co.nz and specialty shops including How on Earth in Mattapoisett.
INTELLECTUAL: Depending on the person, there are innumerable publications and books that you can give. Start a subscription to a garden publication such as horticulture or Garden Design, or buy a new book on the market. But first find out what your intended recipient is passionate about. Exotics? Roses? Boxwood? Dir.’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs or the American Horticultural Society’s A-Z Encyclopedia of Plants are two must have’s for any gardener.
STYLISH STURDY: Wellies (Wellington boots) are in style, in and out of the garden and they harken back to the English who influence so much of the American gardening style. I have a green pair that gets constant use in mud season. An alternative are garden clogs that can slip on or off and look decent enough to wear around town. Most clothes that serve the dual purpose are good choices. Gardeners like simplicity.
ROMANTIC: Some people were born with good taste and my husband is one of them. His gifts to me typically include something that is relatable to my fondness for flowers, and he continues to surprise me – which is very romantic. Keep it coming Kevin!
FUN: There is a corner in everyone’s garden waiting for a bit of whimsy. Everyone’s different when it comes to decorative elements in a garden. Who wouldn’t enjoy a smiling buddy, gnome, or fictional characters from Alice in Wonderland? I gave Chia pets last year in the name of fun. Obviously you need an inkling as to the taste of your recipient.
ONE-OF-A-KIND: Garden Tours are the lifelong quest of any epic gardener. You may scout out one that fits your budget and your recipients’ yearnings. I have been fortunate to see some great gardens on different continents, but still haven’t been to the NY Botanical Gardens. And there are lovely places (think Boston, Newport and Bristol’s Blithe old) to see during the flowering seasons – that will astound you.
ECONOMICAL: A nifty product by the name: Sprout-Ease” is a neat gift for those who enjoy sprouts. Use the toppers (they fit on wide top mason jars) to grow assorted sprouts in a matter of 3-5 days.
ORGANIZATIONAL: A planning: garden date book or a space to corral all the tools and pots is a lovely way to keep the gardener in sync with their hobby.
MUSCULAR: Some people treasure gardening but don’t want to do the heavy manual tasks. For them, you might consider hiring a helper, especially in the spring when there’s an overwhelming amount of cleanup and set-up work to be done.
ESSENTIAL: All gardeners need tools — so often my rakes and hoes have broken midway through the season. I will set the broken bits aside aiming to get a new handle. So sometimes it may not require a purchase but the know-how to mend a tool. Getting mowers and various power tools maintenance is a thoughtful and not over-the-top way to please your gardener.
CREATIVE: One year for Christmas, my friend Martha collected my gifts in a little canvas tote she’d sewn with vintage cloth printed with checkboard and bees. In this were goodies for the gardener — seed packets and plants markers, little peat pots. I still use the little bag and the items were put to use as always.
RESTORATIVE: Arrange a manicure, pedicure – anything that involves the laying on of hands as a treat for your gardener. They work hard and deserve it!
Through the years I have received lots of garden-related presents. I cherish all of them — from the simplest garden spade to the earrings emblazoned with a 16th century maze.