First, there is nothing like a gift certificate from a local nursery when it comes to choosing a gift you know will be appreciated. Some might think it is an easy way out of having to decide what to get all by yourself. It may be easy for you, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be highly appreciated when pulled from the stocking. You can even personalize a certificate if you want. How about: “One fuchsia basket from Bell’s Nursery” or “A jasmine from Mile 5.2.” You get the idea.
I keep writing about amaryllis year in and year out. They keep getting better and better. You will find bulbs at lots of locations in town, all in Christmas packaging with more variety than you may remember being available. These make great stocking stuffers. On the other hand, I saw some almost bowling-ball sized bulbs at Alaska Mill and Feed that may not fit into stockings but will be a big hit. Call around and see if you can find some. An amaryllis bulb or three will make any gardener, beginner or advanced, jump with holiday joy.
Compost is all the rage these days, and worm compost is the stuff people are really clamoring for. How about a worm bin? Available locally from nurseries, you can check them out on the Web first. One pound of worms will eat one pound of kitchen scraps a day. And, you can take all that holiday wrapping and shred it up as worm bedding. This is a gift that will continue to make high quality vermi-compost all year long.
What gardener couldn’t use some twine? I am not talking cotton string, but the real thing, sisal twine. It is great stuff for tying up delphiniums, securing tomatoes to stakes and the like. It takes the weather but ties securely. You can get a few balls at an office supply store and stuff them in stockings.
And remember, all gardeners need labels, tomato stakes and gloves.
Though tough to fit into a stocking, I think gardening books qualify here. You can’t go wrong with a book from a local bookstore. It can always be returned for another if it isn’t what your gardener wants. Does she already have “Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to The Soil Food Web?” A good companion book, James Nardi’s “Life in The Soil,” identifies all the critters in the soil your gardener will encounter next spring and summer. Wander around the gardening section of Metro, Title Wave, Borders and the other local stores and see if you can’t find something.
In the vein of books — and the kind of unique ideas you have come to expect from this column to get you out of your dilemma — how about one or more of Roger Swain’s books? In case you were born on Mars, Roger Swain is that “Victory Garden” guy from PBS, the one with the white beard, red suspenders, New England accent and dry, dry sense of humor. Swain happens to be the keynote speaker at the Alaska Botanical Garden Spring Garden Series in March.
Your gardener can become a (bigger) fan before Roger speaks. His essays are known for their humor and insights and present science, nature and gardening in a most delightful and entertaining way. “Earthly Pleasures” delves into the natural world around the gardener. “Saving Graces: Sojourns of a Backyard Biologist” is all about the wonders of nature. There are several more. All make great winter (and summer) reads.
As a final gift suggestion, why not a gift ticket see Swain at the annual ABG event (don’t forget to buy yourself one)? If you are dealing with someone very special you might even consider a membership to The Alaska Botanical Garden, both at alaskabg.org.
And remember. It’s not the gift, but the thought that counts.
Jeff Lowenfels is a member of the Garden Writers Hall of Fame. You can reach him at teamingwithmicrobes.com or by calling 274-5297 during “The Garden Party” radio show from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays on KBYR AM-700.
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