If you are like me, there was a little bit of procrastination finalizing your holiday gifts… again. Every year I try to get better, and while I have improved, I am still a procrastinator. :) And part of the problem is the old adage— what to get those in your life who are “special”. Yes, I consider us, garden lovers, geeks, nerds— whatever you want to call us, a special breed. And I can see how buying something for a garden lover, who probably has everything they need, can be tricky. Here is the simple guide— most gardeners have their favorite garden shoes, favorite tools, favorite coffee mug that goes with them to the garden every morning, etc. So stay clear of those (althoug I would love it too if I got those). Instead think outside the box a bit. What other fun stuff can you give the gardenerr in your life? Here are some ideas.
Winter Flowering Bulbs
You are probably thinking “why would awant flowers?” and my answer is “why not?”. There is not a flower that a gerdener would turn down. None. Even if it is one of those spray painted flowers from Lowe’s or Home Depot, we would accept them while silently cursing those who commited the cardinal sin of spray painting a plant. We grow flowers when the weather permits, and come winter, unless you have a nursery, flowers will have to wait until Spring. So believe me when I tell you, nothing makes us happier than growing flowers in the winter. These Amaryllis with their dramatic ruffles petals are spectacular and you can still order in time for Christmas delivery! From Gardener’s Supply Company.
Gardening/Garden Theme Books and paper goods
I love, love, love books especially gardening books and books that have a garden theme. And the following are some of my favorites, starting with my crush— Monty Don. The British gardener has made a name for himself as a gardening extraordinaire, although he calls himself an amateur. He became known to those on this side of Atlantic through a show, Gardener’s World, and we (meaning I) fell in love with his ease in front of the camera and charming personality as he goes around the world talking about gardening. His book The Complete Gardener has helped me a lot about not being intimidated in the garden, since I am self-taught.
I am reading Down to Earth now, and so far I love it. And unlike The Complete Gardener, which is about creating a self-sustaining organic garden, Down to Earth is more persona, (I feel) and in his own words "I have written many gardening books but this is the distillation of 50 years of gardening experience. It has all the tips and essential pieces of knowledge that enable you to make your garden grow well, and it also shares my view that gardening is the secret to living well too." The Complete Gardener / Down to Earth (Monty Don).
The other book I recommend is Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein from Floret. More than a veggies gardener, I am a flower gardener. It is what fulfills me. And I have learned tremendously from Erin’s knowledge about cut flower gardens. And since I love the book, I also love the new 2019 calendar, featuring the spectacular photography we are so used to with Floret Flowers. Floret Book and Calendar.
carry it in style ~ gardening caddies and baskets
Do not laugh, but I love a great basket to carry my pickings from the garden, Yes, I could just use a bucket but why? Life is too short to just carry the beautiful bounty from the garden in just a bucket. For me gardening is an experience— from planting to harvesting. There are carrying container options as there are tastes. Garden hods work fantastic for veggies, especially because the wire basket allows dirt to escape the basket. I have been know to give veggies a quick wash with the hose while still in the hod. Garden Hods (Gardener’s Supply Company).
Herb lover? Perfect, then this herbs drying rack is perfect for you! And you cannot beat the price! It is beautiful and utilitarian. The perfect gift for the garden foodie in your life, especially if they live in cold climates where preserving herbs through drying, for the winter months is sometimes mandatory. Herb Drying Rack (Williams Sonoma).
For those of us with a love for all things French, a French basket is the They are big, roomy and comfortable to carry around the garden. I use one of these to carry my gardening supplies— pruners, markers, twine, a few tools, and I also use it to carry my flowers or more delicate herbs. It just really works for me. French weekend basket (Vivi et Margot).
For the flower obsessed (insert my photo) there is this genius flower caddy. And I tell you, I need this in my life because I grow a lot of long stem flowers, like peonies and dahlias. This would make life so much easier. Flower caddy (Gardener’s Supply Company).
back from the garden
After a hard day in the garden, especially those days when you truly get down and dirty, there is nothing like pampering yourself and in my few years gardening, there are two brands that I trust: Kiehl’s and Crabtree & Evelyn. And every year, they come our with wonderful holiday gifts. From Kiehl’s I HIGHLY recommend any of the Crème de Corps products, especially the body lotion. It truly is AMAZING. But really, any of their products are amazing, and the gardener in your life will thank you!
Crabtree & Evelyn has the most amazing line focused on gardeners and the toll it can take on the skin— from cracked hands, to sun parched skin from being in the sun. Their hand therapy, which are the two first products from the brand I used, are also wonderful.
Happy Shopping!
Joining I may be found on one of these link-ups: In a Vase on Monday, Mosaic Monday, Home Sweet Home, Friday Bliss, Home and Garden Thursday, End of Month View(31st of the Month), Blooming Friday, Pink Saturday, Nature Notes, Dishing It & Digging It.