Gifts For Gardeners
By Bob Chapman
The holidays are almost upon us and many are thinking about the gifts to give to loved ones. But there may be others on your list, such as gardener friends and neighbors. Here are some suggestions to consider. Most are worthwhile and practical presents sure to be appreciated, used and kept for many gardening seasons. The recipient will think highly of the giver for years afterwards.
- Knee pads. To young or old, knee pads are a welcome addition when kneeling in the garden weeding or planting flowers.
- Hose guards. These devices, placed at the corners of beds, prevent the garden hose from damaging precious plants.
- Kneeling cushion. Used by many gardeners as the pads can be easily carried from place to place and afford comfort to the knees when planting or weeding.
- Cultivator. This hand-held device, with its three prongs, will aid in cultivating the small areas of the garden.
- Moisture meter, pH meter and light meter combination. Helps the gardener determine the moisture level in the soil down to depth of six inches or so, tells the gardener whether or not the soil is acidic or alkaline and, when used in the home, what the light level is for a spot where an indoor plant is located
- A favorite plant. If known, present your gardening acquaintance with a favorite plant.
- Wheeled garden cart. These four-wheeled, low-to-the-ground carts are designed to carry a few items in the handy compartments inside and can provide a seat when needed.
- Subscription to Sunset magazine. A wonderful source of gardening information and checklists for western gardeners.
- Kinkless hose. These modern miracle hoses are self-coiling and take far less room than the traditional hose.
- Bulb planter. A bulb planter, when inserted into the soil and removed, leaves a nice hole to drop the bulb into and it is a simple matter to release the soil back into the hole, thus covering the newly-planted bulb. Available in a hand-held model or with a long handle with a bar attached to push the device into the soil with your foot.
- Lawn rake or leaf rake. Rakes tend to wear out after a few seasons. If your intended recipient has one that looks rather bedraggled, a new one would be a welcome gift.
- Package of houseplant food. There are several brands, including water-soluble, complete fertilizers such as Miracle-Gro or Schultz-Instant brand. These can be used on indoor as well as outdoor plants.
- Amaryllis in bloom. Anybody seeing those gorgeous wax-like five-inch blooms will "OOOH" with delight.
- Wreath made by you. A personally crafted gift wreath will grace the door and because of the effort made by you, will be deeply appreciated.
- Pruning shears. Avid gardeners do wear out a pair of shears. A new pair will be gratefully received.
- Long-handled loppers. As trees and shrubs grow their branches and limbs get thicker. A 30-inch pair of lopping shears helps a gardener do the necessary pruning tasks. One with a shock absorber feature will be appreciated by an older gardener.
- A potted plant grown in your greenhouse. What a pleasant surprise for a gardener to receive a plant from your greenhouse, one that you've grown, or perhaps propagated. It will remind them for years of your generosity.
- A pretty glazed pot. There are many to choose from, both small and large and often brightly colored.
- Hummingbird feeder. In many areas our hummer friends are year ‘round residents. Offering them an extra food source gives one a chance to see these delightful, colorful avians up close.
- Bird bath. Plain or ornate, a bird bath can be a delightful addition to the garden. It's great to watch birds bathe, scattering drops of water as they dip their wings and beaks into the surface of water.
- Gardening book. There are many, many books out there, but do select one written for western gardening. Glance through the book before purchasing and if it states "after the ground freezes" or "after the spring thaw" or "how to wrap shrubs to protect against winter cold," look for another to give as a gift.
- Gazing ball. Some call them "globes" but all agree they are a welcome addition to the landscape, creating a dazzling focal point.
- Gardening gloves. Wearing gardening gloves is a necessity for some, protecting hands and fingernails. Available with protective leather palm or resin-beaded.
- Scuffle hoe. A long-handled device that cuts weeds off below the surface of the soil. It also stirs up the top of the soil, making it look neat.
- Membership in local gardening club. Memberships in garden clubs increase a person's knowledge and offer many chances to make acquaintances with other gardeners.
- Tote tray. A plastic one to hold small tools, twistems or other things needed while gardening.
- Potted plant. One that you propagated, a blooming orchid, Christmas cactus in bloom, special Poinsettia or any that the intended recipient would enjoy receiving.
- Thermometer. A high-low model that tells you what the low and high temperatures were for the day.