Extension

‘Tis the season of giving gifts, but what should you get for the gardener in your life? The possibilities are almost limitless.

 

Plants are the first thing that comes to mind. There are several seasonal plants available. Amaryllis, paperwhites, poinsettias and ornamental peppers are sold at most garden centers and stores, and can be used as decorations. While some people think of them as truly seasonal, an experienced gardener, or one who is up for a challenge, can keep the plants alive to use for next year’s celebration.

 

Houseplants are also a good choice. Some easy-to-grow options include pothos, snake plant, dumb cane, ponytail palm, jade plant, ZZ plant, peace lily and spider plant. Christmas cacti and their relatives are known to bloom around the holidays. There aren’t many landscape plants available right now, but a gift card to a local nursery is always an option.

 

Seasoned gardeners are likely seeing some wear and tear on their tools. Novice gardeners probably don’t have an extensive collection of tools. Garden tools and equipment are a big hit, especially those that make gardening easier and more enjoyable. Many tools today are designed with ergonomics in mind. Handles are designed to fit more comfortably in your hand, and tools designed to operate easier with less effort can keep gardening fun and feasible. As gardeners age, it can be a struggle to kneel and get back up again. Knee pads and garden stools make it easier to complete gardening tasks. Another idea for a gardener struggling with mobility is a raised bed or garden table.

 

Many gardeners are also bird lovers. Purchasing items that help attract birds to the garden, such as bird feeders, bird baths, bird seed and binoculars, are essentials for the bird-loving gardener. Popular now are bird feeders with webcams, which can be placed anywhere in the garden but still allow you to enjoy them from the comfort of your home or on the go.

 

As an avid gardener myself, I’m a sucker for a good garden book. Many books are available electronically, but I prefer a good, old-fashioned book I can browse through or have sitting on a shelf for reference. There are books on all gardening topics, including garden design, native plants, indoor gardening and more.

 

What is something gardeners enjoy as much as their own garden? Visiting other gardens. A membership to the Myriad Botanic Garden or the Tulsa Botanic Garden is a great gift option. Or, consider a membership to the American Horticultural Society, which offers other benefits such as free admission and discounts at nearly 350 public gardens and arboreta across North America.

 

Of course, it never hurts to ask your gardening family member or friend what they would enjoy most.