In and Around the Garden

For some of us just the idea of holiday shopping can be overwhelming. Our days are already jammed full of things-to-do. To help you make shopping easier, I’ve put together some ideas for the gardeners in your family, or for someone in a new location and is in need of garden items.

Since most of us are short on cash, consider printing attractive certificates offering your services to: 

1. Plant
2. Weed
3. Stake
4. Rake and bag
5. Spread mulch
6. Prune and clean
7. Clean greenhouse
8. Repair raised bed
9. Clean garden tools
10. Sharpen garden tools
11. Lay garden pathway
12. Clean out the garage
13. Paint the garden shed
14. Scrub and sterilize pots
15. Repair the compost bin
16. Install a tool-hanging kit
17. Repair sprinkler system
18. One workday in the yard
19. Build a new compost bin
20. Reorganize the garden shed
21. Pressure wash concrete walks
22. Clean gutters and downspouts
23. Take the debris pile to the landfill
24. Properly dispose of old chemicals
25. Winterize garden shed windows and door
26. Make a garden apron out of fabric remnants
27. Clean up the junk piled in a corner of the yard
28. Build a garden bench out of repurposed wood
29. Build a potting bench out of repurposed wood
30. Repair or replace handles on rakes, shovels, etc.
31. Finish a garden project he or she hasn’t had time to do
32. If you have photos of the gardener’s yard, put a small memory album together or turn the photos into greeting cards

Tip:  Your time and services is especially helpful to older adults and working parents. Doing a service is a fun and rewarding project for the whole family. Children and teenagers, especially, will learn the value of giving of themselves by helping others. If you’re a young couple, this is a great way to say thanks to your parents for their many contributions (like babysitting) throughout the year. When wording the certificate, be respectful so your offer won’t insult the receivers. Humor is always good. Keep your promise to do the service, within 30 days.

Garden Attire:

1. Sunglasses
2. Back brace
3. Rubber boots
4. Garden apron
5. Garden tool belt
6. Large-rimmed straw hat
7. Rubber clogs (Closed-toe)
8.  Gardening gloves (Select good ones that you know will fit.) 

 Hand tool gifts to give:

1. Hoe
2. Rake
3. Shovel
4. Pitch fork
5. Weed eater
6. Hedge clippers
7. Pruning shears
8. Set of gardening tools

Tip:  When buying for women, remember that most prefer lightweight, small-scale tools.

 Large items:

1. Tiller
2. Shredder
3. Chainsaw
4. Composter
5. Wheelbarrow
6. Outdoor sink
7. Green house
8. Storage shed
9. Pressure washer
10. Outdoor drinking fountain

Items to put in a garden gift basket:

1. Tool belt
2. Plant ties
3. Leaf bags
4. Bulb planter
5. Rooting vase
6. Hand cleaner
7. Garden twine
8. Garden apron
9. Garden journal
10. Insect repellant
11. Watering wand
12. Germinating mix
13. Nursery gift card
14. Bath soaking salts
15. Outdoor thermometer
16. Gardener’s hand soap
17. Windowsill herb garden
18. Canvas gardening tote bag
19. 2011 Old Farmer’s Almanac
20. Hand cream made for gardeners
21. Gardening magazine subscription
22. Bag of potting soil (All gardeners can use this.)
23. Kneeling pad (Give a thick one that will actually keep the knees padded.)
24. Seasonal vegetable planting guide (available at local Master Gardeners’ office or website)
25. Book on plants suited to the gardener’s zone (Check with your local Master Gardeners’ office)

Tip:  Before making a purchase, think about the gardener. What type of tools does he or she use? What type of plants? What kind of gardening, i.e. vegetable, perennial, cut flowers, houseplants? Too often gardeners get “cute” items of poor quality that create clutter or don’t last. Select something that you know he or she will use and enjoy. Unless you know of a specific plant or tree that the person wants, it’s best to give a gift card.

Miscellaneous Items:

1. Plant caddy
2. Plant stand
3. Solar lights
4. Tool caddy
5. Flower frog
6. Soaker hose
7. Trail camera
8. Garden hose
9. Outdoor shower
10. Citronella candles
11. Stackable storage containers
12. Automatic plant watering device
13. Folding garden kneeler and seat
14. Memorial stake or sign for loved one
15. Pet memorial garden stake or stone
16. Tomato cage (The collapsible type are great space savers)
17. Ticket to holiday home tour (These are held before Christmas so you’ll have to give this in advance.)

 Online shopping links:  

http://www.findgift.com/Services/FindGift-Deals/

http://www.fisherblacksmithing.com/  (This company has some unique items that you won’t see anywhere else.)

http://www.originalsheds.com/categories/garden-sheds.aspx

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/largarcenced.html  (This company has eco-friendly products)

http://www.lowes.com/pl_Garden+Tools_4294857294_4294937087_

http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Garden-Center/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xr5Zaq6l/h_d2/Navigation?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Happy shopping!

Copyright © 2010 Dianne Marie Andre