by Nancy Ondra
When it's time to think about gift shopping for the gardener in your life, keep in mind that gardeners tend to have different priorities from other people. Jewelry, fancy clothes and expensive electronic gadgets please many folks, but gardeners are more likely to be thrilled by a brand new watering can or a big bag of potting soil.
Here are some ideas to get you started on garden gift shopping on any budget.
Top-Notch Tools
A high-quality garden tool is a pleasure to use and can make just about any outdoor job go faster. Gardeners know this, but often prefer to spend their money on plants than treat themselves to a really top-notch tool, so you can do it for them.
Garden hand tool set. A good set of garden hand tools is essential for any serious gardener. Choose a set that includes at least a spade, trowel and cultivator. If the set includes a kneeler, work gloves, pruner and carrying case or bag, all the better.
Planter tool. A planter tool will make your favorite gardener’s day. These versatile tools are made for multi-purpose use and usually feature one serrated edge and one straight cutting edge. Some include twine cutters, weeding tips, measurement scales and tampers.
Gardening gloves. Nothing is closer to a gardener’s heart than a great pair of gardening gloves. They come in numerous materials, from canvas to leather and even latex.
Watch This
You've probably noticed that gardeners are obsessed with the weather, but it's a harmless obsession, so it's all right to indulge them with a few weather-related gifts.
Rain gauge. A rain gauge makes a perfect stocking-stuffer. Digital displays make it easy to know the exact amount of rainfall.
Thermometer. Watching temperature patterns is important for gardeners trying to decide what and when to plant so a thermometer is always appropriate. For a memorable gift, choose one that displays the indoor and outdoor temperature and records the highest and lowest temperatures and the time they were reached.
The weather, however, isn't the only thing many gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts alike enjoy watching. You can't forget about the birds.
Bird houses. Bird houses come in many different shapes and sizes and can transform your yard into a wildlife haven. If a bird house is not your fancy, you can always try a bird feeder.
The Need for Seeds
Sure, it's easy to buy new plants, but growing them from seeds saves money, offers a much wider range of choices and is a whole lot of fun. A seed-themed gift can start a new adventure for a gardener who's new to the experience or help ensure the success of a skilled seed-starter.
Plant lights. Ample light is vital for growing sturdy seedlings, but even the sunniest windowsill might not give seedlings everything they need. A starter 2-foot set of grow lights is just right for a beginner, while an experienced seedster can always find space for another 4-foot light set.
Heat mat. Keeping newly planted seeds warm can speed up the sprouting process, but they don't have to have a greenhouse to stay toasty. A heat mat is kind of like an electric blanket for seeds; instead of laying it over them, though, you set the pots of seeds on top, so the soil stays warm. As a result, sprouts can appear several days or even several weeks sooner than they would at normal room temperature — a big bonus for impatient gardeners.
Watering Everywhere
Dragging hoses and lugging buckets around to water the garden isn't easy, and to be honest, it's hard to imagine any gift that could actually make watering fun. But there are a few things you can buy the gardener in your life to make this necessary task a whole lot less tedious.
Watering can. Instead of a cheap plastic model that barely makes it through one growing season without springing a leak, give a top-quality watering can constructed from strong steel and galvanized to prevent rust, in a classic silvery finish. Granted, metal watering cans can be mighty heavy and awkward to pour, but not the Haws Slimcan it's easy to carry without it bumping against your leg, and you can pour with just one hand. The only problem is that it's so beautiful, the recipient may prefer to admire it than use it!
Pro-quality garden hose. Spare your favorite gardener the frustration of trying to water with a hose that keeps kinking or tangling. A top-notch garden hose is guaranteed never to kink or tangle; plus, it has durable fittings, a coiled collar to keep it straight at the faucet end and protection against mold and mildew.
Also consider items such as a hose reel, nozzles and hose accessories and sprinklers. All of these items are affordable and appeal to gardeners looking for green gardens and lush lawns.
Books are a Good Bet
When gardeners can't be outside, they love reading about gardening: finding out about new plants, discovering new design ideas and learning new skills. Most prefer to choose their own books, so if the gardener in your life hasn't already hinted for a specific book they want, you may want to consider giving them a gift certificate to their favorite bookstore. Or, consider getting them my latest book, The Perennial Care Manual. It's packed with tips on planting, caring for and propagating 125 popular flowering and foliage perennials.
Just for Fun
Looking for something a bit more lighthearted? If your favorite gardener has a sense of humor, surprise them with a silly gift that's sure to make them grin: a pair of classic plastic flamingos. Or, take it to the next level with a pair of pink metal flamingos, each graced with a gazing-ball body and spring-mounted necks that bob in the breeze. They're sure to make any holiday memorable.
Freelance writer Nancy Ondra gardens in Pennsylvania and blogs about her favorite plants at Hayefield.com.
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