Growing Green

By Robin Trott, Extension Educator

As the holiday season approaches, many of you are still on the lookout for that special gift for the gardener in your life. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present for a

green-thumbed friend, a seasoned family gardener, or treating yourself, here are some suggestions for thoughtful and practical gifts that are sure to warm the hearts of those who love to garden. From tools to plants to garden art and more, these recommendations will set you on the path to the happiest season ever.

Essential Tools for Gardening

No gardener can thrive without the right tools. Equip your gardening enthusiast with waterproof boots, high-quality pruners and ergonomically designed hand tools.

1. Pruners. For a gardener without a good pair of pruners, gardening chores can be more than difficult. My favorite brands are Felco and Corona, as they are easily cleaned and sharpened, and last a good long while. Felco also offers models for left-handed individuals and a slightly more compact F6 version, catering to smaller hands. I always have a sharpened pair of Felcos or Coronas in my garden trug.

2. Ergonomically designed trowels and garden tools. Ergonomic hand tools are crafted with handles that keep your wrist straight, reducing stress. Some tools also feature forearm braces, shifting the workload to your arm and further reducing wrist stress. This support helps prevent muscle and joint fatigue, allowing the gardener to enjoy longer and more comfortable gardening sessions.

3. Garden boots. Garden boots play a crucial role in keeping your feet dry during weeding and watering sessions. They also provide an extra layer of insulation against cold temperatures, especially when paired with a thick pair of socks.

4. Indoor and outdoor beauties. Explore live-plant centerpieces that bring life to any room and infuse festive cheer. Alternatively, garden sculptures are wonderful additions in all seasons, adding a touch of sophistication and whimsy to outdoor spaces.

5. Garden trugs. What is a garden trug? An indispensable tool for gardeners, trugs are compact, shallow and easy-to-carry baskets primarily used for transporting garden produce. They’re handy for gardeners growing flowers, fruit, and vegetables or those simply looking for an easy way to carry their tools around.

6. Plant nursery certificate. Empower fellow gardeners with the gift of choice through a plant nursery or catalog gift certificate. Allow your loved ones to handpick their favorite plants, seeds or accessories, ensuring they receive their most desired garden items.

7. Birdbaths and feeders. Gardeners and birds go hand in hand, making bird feeders and seeds ideal gifts for winter months, along with birdbaths for the growing season.

8. Gift of choice: Membership to your local public garden. The Midwest boasts numerous fine public gardens offering inspiration, education and relaxation. Support your local public garden by becoming a member, and consider giving a membership to your gardening companion. Not only will you be supporting these institutions in their mission to connect plants and people, but public garden membership usually comes with fantastic perks. Members often enjoy free or discounted admission, sneak-preview access to events, library borrowing privileges and more. Through the American Public Gardens Reciprocal Admissions program, members can also gain free admission to many other gardens across the country!

9. Brass shut-off valve. Gardeners spend considerable time hand-watering in-ground plants and pots. It can be challenging to enjoy when leaky, ill-fitting valves spray icy water in May or October. Look for quality, solid brass fittings that are long-lasting and lack plastic pieces prone to becoming brittle and breaking at the worst possible moment. A dry gardener is a happy gardener.

10. Water wands. Brass fittings and watering wands go hand in hand. My all-time favorite is the Dramm professional

watering wand. Easy to use and clean, I have some that are several years old and still work like they were brought home yesterday!

Wishing you joy and peace this holiday season. While we’ve been blessed with a warm fall, I am dreaming of a white Christmas. Until next time, happy gardening!

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“Nothing ever seems too bad, too hard or too sad when you’ve got a Christmas tree in the living room.” ~ Nora Roberts