Each year before Christmas, I like to suggest some ideas for the gardener on your gift list, even if that gardener is you. This year I stopped by a few local garden stores and farmers’ markets to help get ideas for fun gardening gifts I know I would love to see under the tree, or give to a gardening friend.
Christmas plants or any plant for tending inside over the winter months is always a great choice. Even gardeners like me, who aren’t good with keeping houseplants, enjoy poinsettias at Christmas – the more the better. Sara’s Garden Center in Brockport has an amazing assortment of poinsettias ranging from traditional colors of red, white and pink, to a bright fuchsia pink.
Another variety has bracts that are a very orangey-red. Sara’s also has a wonderful selection of succulents and terrarium kits. One item that caught my eye was a narrow, rectangular-shaped planter filled with an assortment of begonias with striking foliage.
Kirby’s Farm Market on West Ridge Road in Brockport also has a fantastic selection of poinsettias in their greenhouse. You can pick from an assortment of sizes and choose the foil color you would like for wrapping the pot.
Don’t forget about potted herbs for the winter months. Many herbs are available for keeping right in the kitchen, enabling gardeners to have fresh herbs for cooking even when their outdoor herb garden is covered with snow.
I found a great selection of wind chimes everywhere I went. Wind chimes can add sound to the garden environment and there are many different styles from which to choose – meaning they can also be a visual element. I have wind chimes hanging right in my vegetable garden. I like the soft sounds they make while I work, and I hope the sounds might also help to scare off damaging wildlife.
I loved the selection of gazing balls at Partyka Farms in Kendall and their roasted pumpkin seeds would be a delicious gift for gardeners, who will certainly appreciate a tasty and unique agricultural product from a local grower.
Brightly’s Farm Market in Hamlin has a terrific selection of large, rustic garden decorations. Bigger elements can add great character to your flower and shrub beds and right now seasonal items include wooden sleds, decorated chairs and snowmen.
Garden and outdoor themed tree ornaments are always fun to give. Sara’s has beautiful trees decorated with a range of ornaments and Kirby’s also carries tree ornaments. Fairy gardening is hugely popular and this year, I’m keeping a pair of container fairy gardens on my porch. I’m adding seasonal accents like snowmen to give them a winter feel.
Sara’s has an especially large selection of fairy garden items. I know I would love to receive miniature garden items I can use now or save for the next growing season.
Theme gifts can also be fun. The Burpee Garden Seeds catalog/website offers an easy to grow flower seed collection ($19.95) for flower gardeners on your list. They also offer an All-Star collection of the latest and greatest vegetable seeds ($21.95) for vegetable gardeners.
Last, but certainly not least, gift certificates are always welcome and can easily be purchased at local garden centers and farmers’ markets. A bottle of wine from a local winery can make a nice accompaniment to your gift certificate. It’s a perfect way for gardeners to take a break to enjoy the fruits of their labors.
