Oh, do I really have to do a gift column? I know it is expected because it is the season, but the Loyal Reader knows I am not much on giving gardening-related gifts to gardeners. And, I surely hate the idea of being responsible every year for gardeners across Alaska getting a whole host of things they really didn't want (but like the sweater, have to pretend they do), just because I suggested them in an annual holiday gift column.
I remember early on, back when a young columnist felt it was his duty to suggest great gifts (instead of poo-pooing the idea of getting anything garden-related for people during the holidays … or ever). I suggested a sharpener I saw at a trade show that let you sharpen your clipper and mower blades. Really! How would you like to wake up to THAT Christmas morning?
Oh sure, you could definitely get away with a gift certificate from one of the local nurseries. Actually, that is probably the best gift you could get the gardeners on your list, provided yours regularly frequents the particular nursery. This is one gift you will know will be appreciated, even if I did suggest it. All of our local nurseries will sell you a gift certificate.
Of course, a membership for the family for the Alaska Botanical Garden is another item you can be universally sure a gardener would appreciate if he or she is not already a member! (Not to worry, I am sure the good folks over at the ABG have the ability to extend a membership for an extra year). Head to their website to see what your gift will entitle your lucky recipients to enjoy: garden related stuff to discounts at the major nurseries in Southcentral Alaska. Then go here and do it.
Is there a magazine you can get someone on the list? Only if you are sure of their tastes and interests. GreenPrints, a compilation of stories and essays about the fun, beauty, spirituality, humor and memories of gardening (but without being "How to") is a different kind of gift for the right person. ACRES USA is a magazine that is mostly for farmers. It has tons of interesting articles for organic gardeners.
I used to suggest a card with a promise to do a set number of hours out in the garden, but the more I think about it, it is not such a great gift. No one wants someone who doesn't want to garden helping. A better idea might be to facilitate help. You could give a card agreeing to rent that chipper he has always wanted to use to clean up, or to hire someone to put in the moose fence or whatever you happen to know is a chore on next season's list for which your gardener would love help. Sure, you can also agree to a set number of hours, yourself, but make sure to smile the whole time.
Stocking stuffers? (Oh no, really? Isn't this carrying this too far?). How about a new clipper, especially if you know a lefty and can find a left-handed set? A dibble or dibber -- if you know what one is -- is a fun gift (IMHO). But, why get anything fancy when a ball of twine or a roll of that twisty stuff, a package of seed labels or even a bag of compost would be at least useful, if not appreciated, as a gift.
Anyhow, all of this is a long whine. The point I am trying to make is that at the very least, you have to really, really know your gardener before you buy something for him or her. And I can tell you that I, personally, don't know your gardener, so why listen to me? All I am suggesting is that you think long and hard about it before you give something like a blade sharpener. It isn't for everyone.
Jeffs Garden calendar for the week of December 19, 2014
Houseplants: Toss out dead ones. It is the season.
Light systems: Check out your bulbs. Is it time to replace them?
Poinsettias: Slightly moist at all times. No drafts at all times.