Gifts for Gardeners

Years ago, my mom saw my struggle shopping for my friends and family. "Why not get them plants and garden items? You know their skill level and can customize the right gift for everyone on your list." She was right. Little by little, plants and garden items became gift ideas for sisters, brothers, friends, nieces and nephews. 

Christmas Mouse Poinsettia in a lovely gift basket

Let the plant fit the person you are gifting. A snake plant might be perfect for the new 'plant parent'. Those with more experience might like to try a bonsai or an orchid. Pair the plants with a book, planter, plant light, watering can or whatever would help your indoor gardener succeed. The opportunities are endless. 

Indoor lights and seed starting systems

Vegetable gardeners would love an indoor plant lighting system to get their transplants off to a good start. Seeds, seed starting mix, or a heat mat, are other items that might be fun to try. 

Hori-hori knife, trowel, Felco pruners and kneeler/seat

Good tools are always treasured by gardeners. Felco pruners are the best and offer customizable options for small hands, left-handed people, and feature replaceable blades. A hori-hori knife is another go-to tool for gardeners; it serves as a weeder, bulb planter, scores roots to be transplanted, and digs through clay soils. Older gardeners might appreciate a gardening stool/kneeler in the garden. Getting up and down in the garden is made easier by this handy accessory. For the budget conscious, a good trowel and pair of fashionable/functional garden gloves may be just the thing your gardener needs. 

Watering the garden this year has been a struggle with two periods of drought after a wet spring. The pros use Dramm nozzles and wands for good reason-they work. A watering can from the same company features a long, thin spout perfect for watering containers of plants. 

Gifts to give the host and hostess can include plants as well. An amaryllis or a few paperwhite bulbs already planted are a great idea. A cyclamen that blooms all winter, or small gift baskets of plants are always welcome. 

Stocking stuffers may include garden gloves, indoor watering aids, seed packets and other small items; a gift card being my personal favorite. 

Consider the gift of membership to Longwood Gardens, Cylburn Arboretum, Rawlings Conservatory or Ladew Gardens. If not a membership, maybe a daytrip together to enjoy these lovely gardens. 

The great thing about gardening is that you can invest a little or a lot into a gift; there's something for every budget. 

Enjoy the season!