The holidays are here, the garden beds are all tucked away for the winter ahead, with a possible lingering rose. Now we wait and ponder what will come back when the weather begins to warm again – what new delights to plant next year. It is also time to buy the gardener in your life that perfect gift whether practical or pretty or both!
Every gardener should have a great garden hose. Flexible or expandable hoses are light weight and easy to move around from one space to the next without a fight! They don’t kink or tangle, are self-draining and curl up easily in a small space or container taking up very little room. Truly life-altering!
Garden gloves are a must – no gardener has ever had enough! They range from stretchy with rubber palms to thick leather for heavier duties like pruning roses and other thorny plants. For something fun and fashionable “Foxgloves” are soft, comfy and come in a variety of pretty colors.
The right tool for the job is key to success, and there are so many to choose from. A good pair of garden shears for cutting flowers or deadheading and sturdy pruners such as those made by Felco are a must. A handy tool for pruning branches and smaller trees is a sturdy folding hand saw.
Gardening can be tough on the back, and there are times when bending over takes its toll – a lightweight, foldable stool takes away the strain when staying low to the ground for weeding or planting. Paired with a pair of knee pads – positively posture perfect!
Gardeners tend to love bees and birds, and look for ways to attract them to their yards and to assist in their survival. Bird baths, feeders of all sorts serve important purposes and can be quite beautiful. Hand blown glass hummingbird feeders are artful and practical. A great stocking stuffer is seeds of flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Or a gift card to a favorite local garden center or nursery.
For the person in your life who appreciates beautiful gardens, but does not enjoy the tilling and toiling – a membership to the Maine Botanical Gardens, Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm or Bedrock Gardens in Lee, NH will not only help support these non-profit organizations, but also bring joy to the recipient.
To help pass the winter days, consider a beautiful terra cotta pot with an amaryllis bulb to care for and watch bloom on a windowsill. A mini succulent garden in a pretty planter or potted herbs to use for cooking can be quite cheerful on dark days. It is also a great time to read about plants, gardens and dream about the coming season. A beautiful coffee table book or a copy of Celia Thaxter’s delightful account of her experiences on Appledore in, “An Island Garden,” is perfect for a snowy day curled up under a blanket or by the fire.
As great as it is to pass time working in a garden, it is also important to rest and reap the rewards. A hammock in shady spot could be just the incentive to take a break and enjoy the rest of a day!
Happy Holidays!
