Want to give a gift that keeps on giving for seasons to come? If you are buying for a family member or friend who gardens we can help you with that. Whether you’re searching for gifts for a beginner or experienced gardener, it’s hard to fail with something useful that makes their tasks easier or inspires some creative planting.
As someone who has been gardening most of my life, the gifts that feed my passion for growing are always some of my favorite and most memorable treasures for Christmas or any occasion.
Here is the ultimate “idea” list for the green thumb wannabes or master gardeners on your gift list.
Handy garden tools
Digging, weeding, pruning, and scooping out potting mix are all part of the garden routine. These tools are a “must” for those tasks. These are my personal favorites. Many have been gifts and they are cost effective but well made to last for years.
Fiskars makes some great pruning shears. I prefer these with a softgrip. They are easy to use and with a little annual maintenance, including cleaning with WD 40 to prevent rust, should last forever.
A stainless steel scoop is perfect for lifting out mulch, garden soil, or potting mix when spring planting season comes round. Again a little maintenance by storing it out of the elements goes a long way.
Finally, every gardener needs a good pair of gloves for weeding and planting. I like the ones with a latex on the palm of the glove. Tractor Supply in Cornelia usually runs some great prices for these which comes in handy when you go through several pairs a year.
Garden Journal
I’ve previously written about keeping a garden journal. The benefits are many and the choices are endless. Some include an area to sketch out your dream garden. Some include gardening tips and famous garden quotes. All of them have a space for taking notes about when and what you planted and what is performing well or not from month-to-month. This is great info to look back on from year to year. Why? It can save you time and money!
There are many to choose from including some with artistic covers or not. Prices range from $10 to $25 but they are all a great investment for the gardener in your life.
Watering globes
I love these watering globes for many reasons. You can fill them with water and not have to fuss over watering your plants. Plus, they are like a work of art to add interest to your planters. Walmart carries them and they are available at garden centers or online. The globes generally come in sets of three in a variety of colors.
Gardening Books and subscriptions
For years I’ve been gifted gardening books and magazine subscriptions for Christmas and occasionally on the anniversary of my birth date which comes round in March. These are some of my favorite gifts because when the weather is cold and dreary, I can lose myself in thumbing through the pages for ideas and beautiful illustrations.
A couple of years ago, my niece gave me a subscription to Birds and Blooms. I fell in love. It contained great gardening tips and planting to attract birds information. Additionally, the magazine contains monthly contests. How fun is that?
Gift certificates and donations
You can NEVER go wrong with a gift certificate either from a local nursery or garden center. If you are buying for a more experienced green thumb gardener and looking for some unique plants, here are a few of my favorite online places for gift giving. Gilbert H. Wild and Bluestone Perennials are two of my favorites.
Another idea is to give a donation in someone’s name. I can’t think of a better organization to support than the Soque River Watershed Association. Their work makes our community a better place. As a bonus, they operate the Clarkesville Greenway Community Garden, Habersham County’s first public organic community garden!
Plants
I love to give orchids as gifts, especially phalaenopsis. They are the easiest to grow and with little maintenance should last for at least three months. Few flowering plants are more beautiful than orchids and they will bloom again with a little TLC.
Happy shopping! Whatever you select from this list will be much appreciated by the gardener in your life!
