Rooted Ramblings: Great gifts for the gardener in your life

By Michelle Smith, Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer

One of the best parts of the holiday season is finding a gift that brings lasting joy to the recipient. If you have a gardener in your life, there are a number of great options to consider, from tools to plants to garden décor. But how do you find the right gift for that special person? Here are a few tips that might help narrow down the choices.

Tools

The right tool can be a gift that is appreciated for years. Select a high-quality tool that is well made and ergonomic. Generally, tools with handles that are strong and light weight, like those made from oak or similar hard wood, are better, and the head of the tool should be securely attached. Penn State offers some great tips on further evaluating tools here. You should also ensure that the tool is properly sized for the recipient; a smaller gardener may need a smaller tool. Many tools are now marketed to more “seasoned” gardeners, who may require specialized options if they have, for example, arthritis. But don’t overlook the importance of more ergonomic tools for any gardener (see tips here). Reducing strain is important not only for immediate comfort, but also to prevent injuries.  

Gifts for Accessibility

In addition to tools, there are many other gift options that might make gardening easier. Kneelers are great protection against hard or wet ground, and many can double as a seat. Raised beds are not only easier to reach but also offer advantages for weed control and increased garden productivity. (Oregon State offers some great information on accessible gardening here.) And don’t overlook a good water bottle; it is essential to stay properly hydrated, and these are easy to personalize, making your gift even more special.

Plants

An obvious gift for a gardener is a plant, but you may notice that the choices in Northeast Ohio are somewhat limited this time of year. Forced bulbs, such as amaryllis, are popular during the holiday season, but do consider that they are very mildly toxic to both people and pets. On the other hand, Christmas cactus and poinsettias are generally safe. The best option, however, is often a gift certificate to your gardener’s favorite nursery, as this will allow them to pick out exactly the right plant in the spring. Many nurseries will also provide a catalog that you can include with your gift.  Another good option, if you’ve saved seeds from your own garden this year, is to create a pretty package of seeds to share (see how here).  This gift option is not only very economical, but also priceless, especially when delivered with a personal note or story about the seeds.

Books

When it’s not possible to be in the garden, dreaming about the upcoming season can be the next best thing, and there are thousands of gardening books from which to draw inspiration. New gardeners might prefer a more general how-to guide, while experienced gardeners might prefer a title focused on a more specialized area, like rock gardening, or even a specific plant, like tomatoes. There are books full of beautiful photos of gardens around the world, and even garden joke books; your local bookstore can often recommend specific titles that are well-rated and tailored to your gardener’s preferences.

Other gifts

Sometimes the best gift combines several areas of interest, and for the gardener, this often means ornaments and other decorations for the garden. There are as many options as there are gardeners, from gnomes in the jersey of their favorite sports team to concrete dragons to delicate windchimes decorated with flowers. There are useful options, like snow or rain gauges, and a beautiful pot can also be a great gift. Some gardeners enjoy avian visitors to their gardens; bird houses, feeds, and seeds are good choices, as are binoculars or birding books.  

This is an overview of some gift ideas for gardeners. But whatever gift you choose, the personal effort that you’ve put into selecting it will surely be appreciated. Happy holidays to you and the gardener in your life!

Ohio State University Extension Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer program. As OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, our articles will never endorse specific products or companies. Questions/comments/suggestions/want to find out more/become a PCMGV: 330-296-6432 •  OSU PCMGV web • portco.mgv.oh@gmail.com • FB PCMGV • PCMGV Speaker’s Bureau