As we approach the last week before Christmas, you might be thinking of giving something to your favourite gardener even if it might be yourself.
Here is a list of items you might consider.
Sounds simple but a quality garden hose always finds a place in any gardeners tool kit.
But I emphasize high quality because inexpensive hoses inevitably kink and you don’t want the recipient to be cursing you every time this happens.
A good quality watering can. I still believe Haws are the best and there are many sizes and styles to choose from in both plastic and metal.
Gardening gloves are always appreciated because even if the recipient has a pair they inevitably wear out.
An Amaryllis bulb to grow for early spring bloom. They come already planted in a pot or as a kit with soil pot and bulb included.
A subscription to a gardening magazine such as Canadian Gardening.
There are several kneeling devices on the market to make gardening easier for people who find it difficult getting down on their knees from simple pads to folding devices with a seat to sit on.
Every gardener can use a good pair of hand pruners and most buy the knock offs of the better brands.
Treat your favourite gardener to a pair of Felco pruners made in Switzerland and include a leather sheath that fits on the gardener’s belt.
If you know the shoe size then a pair of gardening clogs makes an ideal gift.
A minimum/maximum thermometer is something all gardeners can use but seldom purchase for themselves. This handy device will record how low the temperature got during the night and how high during the day.
Garden ornaments are quite often a personal choice however if you know the recipient well enough you may be able to choose something that will get a prominent spot in the garden.
And the absolute perfect gift would be to purchase a ticket to join me on the bus to the Northwest Flower and Garden Show this February. You should book soon because the bus is beginning to fill up.
Call Bluestar Travel at 778-478-3896 or go to the website www.bluestartours.ca.
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I want to remind everyone this Saturday morning we will broadcast our special Christmas Garden Show on AM 1150 beginning at 8 a.m.
The two hour show will have some special guests including Brian Minter—B.C.’s Master Gardener, as well as garden writer and retailer Scott Austin from Penticton and the Pacific Northwest’s garden guru Ed Hume.
I will be playing a couple of my dad’s recordings and as usual you can pick up the odd garden tip.
We have done this every Christmas on the radio since 1983 and I invite you to tune in even if you are not a regular listener to the show.
