Have someone with a green thumb on your gift list?
Because there are so many things to choose from, gardeners are usually fun to shop for. At the same time, the choices may become a little dizzying as you wade through your local garden center filled with so many different plants, how-to books, garden decor and accessories.
To make it a little easier, here's our top suggestions for what to give your wife or husband, favorite coworkers, or kids who love to garden on your list who have a passionate interest
in keeping their gardens growing:
Gardening books: This is No.1 on our list, since gardeners are voracious readers and always want to know more about the secrets to successful gardening. Whether they have a passion for growing
vegetables out in the backyard, rose bushes on the front lawn, or bonsai on the windowsill, you're bound to find an illustrated gardening
"how-to" at your local bookstore that will make a great gift for the curious gardener.
For 'visual' thinkers, gardening videos are also a great idea, but if your favorite gardener is stuck on a gardening question a book is the more ready reference, and often the quickest way to find the answer.
Green thumb gift basket: The best thing about gift baskets is that they can be tailored to any gardener's interests or skill level, from beginner to expert. However, skip the traditional gift basket and stick to the gardening theme by opting for a terra cotta pot, a garden tote, or watering can. Fill it up with garden accessories that you know your gardener will appreciate — like potting soil, fertilizer sticks or small gardening tools.
Other items might include a potted flowering plant, a small birdhouse (don't forget the seed!), a small garden gnome or miniature gargoyle, gardening gloves, a baseball cap or gardening hat, sunblock, hand moisturizer ...and the list goes on.
Visit your local garden center for even more ideas.
Houseplants: Also ask about the latest and greatest exotic houseplants that are always coming on the market such greenhouse orchids that provide a fun challenge and interesting conversation piece for the indoor gardener.
Holiday plants:Green markets and garden centers are ablaze in red and green around the holidays offering an array of gift plants that include poinsettia, amaryllis, kalanchoe, Christmas cactus, bonsai and miniature
roses. Don't overlook imported potted bulbs that are grown on the windowsill in the winter months. When they are ready to burst into full bloom in a few months time, they'll not only bring joy to the recipient but also serve as a reminder of your thoughtfulness come spring.
