Green with Envy

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Now that the holiday season is approaching, we think about giving gifts to individuals that are meaningful in our lives. It is not always the gift but the thought behind it and the recognition of someone who is importance to us.

An individual that I know decided to do something special for their neighbour by creating a winter floral arrangement outside their front door as a surprise. That is an example of a gift from the heart; one that involves someone giving something of themselves.

There are so many gifts available for gardeners in the marketplace that it may be challenging to find just one. My goal is to find a thoughtful and practical present; something your garden loving friend or family member can use year round and remember you by.

Tools of the trade

For someone who is new to the gardening world, I would find them the best pair of secateurs or pruners that is suited to their dominant hand. You may need them with you at the store to make a good decision or keep a gift receipt with you. Experienced gardeners typically need another pair of gloves, a sharpening stone or a novelty ergonomic tool like a small trowel. There are also many specialty items available for tool storage if you know what type of space they have available.

Membership has its privileges

A membership to a local horticultural society, an orchid growing society or even the Toronto Botanical Garden is a unique gift idea. The Toronto Botanical Garden allows members to take out books from their horticultural library opened all year round. There are also lots of gardening lectures and demonstrations that one can attend at a discounted membership price.

Holiday Gifts

There are a number of excellent stores within the GTA that carry specialized gifts for gardeners. One item that I always use is stationery and I love handmade stationery with different landscapes or flowers illustrated on the front or back of the card. A bird feeder is a fantastic present and one that can be enjoyed year round. Other ideas include scented candles, a subscription to a gardening magazine like 'Canadian Gardening', hand cream or even a garden calendar. A custom-made calendar or journal with pictures of that someone specials' garden is a great gift, too (provided you have the pictures)!

If time is minimal for you (as it always is for me), I would purchase a gardening book online that can be delivered to your house. There is always a lot to learn about in the gardening world. Some noteworthy topics would be touring through gardens around the world, rooftop gardens and organic kitchen gardens.

 

Marilyn Pomer is a landscape designer for Greenescape Designs Inc. If you have any questions or comments please email Marilyn at marilyn@greenescape.ca