On the 鈥淕ardeners鈥� part of the shopping list there鈥檚 Ted, a close neighbour who is a single-minded, no-frills, all-business sort of person, and Ray, a brother-in-law who loves a quirky joke. Aunt Susan adores weeding. A cherished friend is a novice but manic pruner; another is besotted with roses.
Personally, I very much regret not buying as a garden gift a metal sign I once saw. It declared: 鈥淭respassers will be composted.鈥� Other various types of garden messages I鈥檝e spotted for hanging in the garden or attaching to a wall: Gardeners know the best dirt; I don鈥檛 remember planting this; There鈥檚 never enough thyme. I relish a bit of whimsy in a garden.
When selecting gifts for gardeners, keep in mind their proclivities and character. Those who like quirky fun might like a wacky garden hat, garden footwear with brightly coloured designs, an amusing plaque or sign, a whimsical birdhouse or a droll ornament or statue for the garden.
Gardeners who are frugal and purely practical may be reluctant to replace badly worn but essential tools like a digging shovel, rake or hoe. When a gift replacement is in order, choose a long-handled, easy-on-the-back model.
Frugal gardeners will soldier on for years with an old, uncomfortable trowel and tattered garden gloves. Shock them with听new versions.
The precise gardener would make good use of a soil thermometer or a moisture meter.
Perfect for rose lovers are tough gauntlet gloves for protecting the lower arms and resisting thorns, a good pair of hand pruners or a gift certificate for a听new rose. A comprehensive book on pruning for guidance and听perhaps a hand saw would suit avid pruners.
Their own personal gear will help get children into gardening. Look for child-sized gloves and tools, and small watering cans. Children love watering.
Weeding tools with varying working-end designs abound. There are claw styles, sharp pick (pointed) or hoe-type ends, or loops. Business owners who sell garden tools tell me that the sa国际传媒-made Garden Bandit 鈥� a metal loop on an ergonomic handle 鈥� is a favourite with their customers.
The Dig This stores are among outlets presenting new and novel gift items this year. 鈥淢odern Sprout鈥� coloured herb-growing jars incorporate a cup to hold growing medium and herb seeds. A wick draws water from the bottom of the jar.
鈥淥ya鈥� terracotta vessels are submerged into the soil and filled with water as needed. Water seeps through the porous walls to the roots of plants that otherwise might suffer in times of drought.
More gifts to consider: Seeds and seeding pots or flats for starting flowers and vegetables indoors; insect netting or floating row cover to protect vegetables from pests; books on a topic of听special interest; bird feeders for winter amusement; colourful Christmas plants for听joy.
Linda Gilkeson鈥檚 books on year-round food gardening and natural pest controls are the best. An entomologist living and gardening on Salt Spring Island, Linda鈥檚 Backyard Bounty is a complete guide to organic food gardening in our climate.
A gift certificate from a favourite nursery or gardeners鈥� gift store provides the pleasure of anticipation.
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Presence. It鈥檚 natural to delight in giving and receiving presents. Still, along with customary purchased presents, consider alternatives as well, in the form of 鈥減resence.鈥� Look for people in your life who would be most appreciative of a little help, or even some times of simple companionship.
Here鈥檚 an idea: Create a seasonal gift card with a 鈥渂lank cheque鈥� type of space for the recipient to fill in their preferred act of presence from you 鈥� leaf raking, plot digging, yard repairs, tea and conversation time together, or whatever is desired.
This sort of gift, no money involved, can be the most personal, and meaningful.
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GARDEN EVENT
VHS meeting. The Victoria Horticultural Society will meet on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Garth Homer Centre, 813 Darwin Ave. Rob Jennings of Jennings Florists will demonstrate how to decorate for seasonal beauty. Rob is an entertaining designer whose inspiring and innovative creations are always something people can successfully duplicate at home. A seasonal celebration will follow, with finger-food and holiday craft sales.
