by Brooke Moore, New Windsor Senior Master Gardener Volunteer
As the Holiday Gift Giving Season approaches so many of us are dreading the “gardener gifts” that will appear. I do not know a single gardener who does not have a box, a basket, or a stash somewhere of inappropriate garden themed gifts that they were not happy to have received. So, in the spirit of the season, here are some gift dos and don’ts on how to thrill the gardener in your life with a well thought-out gift.
Don’ts:
One Size Fits All Gloves! Do not buy someone else gloves, unless you can get an exact match to the pair that the gardener currently wears every single time they are out toiling in their garden. Next to shoes gloves really need to fit and feel properly for them to work. Too big and you have no control over your fingers, too small and they are painful, too thin and the dirt and thorns go right through, too thick and you don’t have enough dexterity. Stay away from gloves.
House plants. Between the plants that were brought in to overwinter and the cuttings that are taking up all the spare room on the window ledges, even the most dedicated gardener probably has more than enough house plants by mid-winter. If you absolutely, positively know that there is a plant your favorite gardener is lusting after then okay, you can give it to them. Otherwise, just look and enjoy them at the store.
Pruners. Sort of like gloves everyone has their favorites and unless you have been given the exact one that is wanted a gift certificate is a way better option.
Cute shirts, hats, aprons, pillows, etc. with ‘garden sayings’ printed on them. Yikes these are a plague on most houses. Usually poor quality, rarely fit, and if the gardener really wanted it, they would already have it. Now if you sew and are making a custom item, that is cool, and will be much appreciated.
Hoses. Another way personal item that is specific to the person who does the watering. Size, weight, length, and material make a huge difference. Common complaints from those of us who do the watering include it’s too heavy to drag with water in it, it kinks to easily and shorts out the flow, it is impossible to reel up and store making an annoying task even more so. If you have a ‘Gift List’ with a specific hose listed then perfect, get that one but do NOT purchase a substitute.
Garden Boots. (See Gloves!) Boots are just about impossible to choose for someone else. If you think a pair of new boots is needed, a gift card will let the wearer select the right size, height, and weight . There are so many options that finding the right pair takes a lot of work and usually once a gardener find a pair that fit and feel great they are very loyal to them.
Spades or Shovels. Length of handle, weight, shape of the head, all are a very personal preferences. Again, if one specific one was asked for perfect. Otherwise offer to take them out shopping to pick their favorite!
Dos:
So if that gets rid of all of your ideas what should you think about giving to the gardener in your life?
Time. My number one suggestion is the gift of time, time in which you will help the gardener in you life dig holes, rake, mulch, move plants, visit a garden to get ideas, shop for a native plants, etc. Having a freely given chunk of time to help out will be a gift that can be given with love and received with excitement.
Garden Membership. A membership to a garden such as the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) in New York City or Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring will allow the gardener in your life to visit and make discoveries throughout the year.
Mask. We are not done with masking yet so a floral or plant themed mask is a great gift. Make sure it can hold a filter, will fit snugly, and has adjustable ear loops.
Gift Certificates. Gardeners are always trying new plants out in their gardens, so a gift certificates to buy plants are always appreciated. Think of local plant sales like the one at the Orange County Arboretum or a local nursery like the Catskill Native Nursery and White Flower Farm. Along with a gift certificate, throw in the gift of time to help get the new plants in the ground.
Voucher for a Class or Program. Every year Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County offers program on topics ranging from pruning, vegetable gardening, and composting to flower arranging, leaf casting, and wreath making. Let the gardener pick the program that works best for them.
Framed photo of last year’s bloom. Look through the photos on your phone and pick something that reminds you of the best of the garden. Put it in a pretty frame and it will make everyone smile through the winter months. Consider getting a metal print that does not need a frame. These are dramatic and really showcase a bloom! My favorite budget friendly but high-quality source is Nations Photo Lab.
Tickets to a Garden Show. This year’s Connecticut Flower & Garden Show is at the end of February and the Philadelphia Flower Show is in mid-June. Both are wonderful opportunities to get out, learn more, and enjoy gardens!
