Merry Christmas

What will you be buying for the gardeners in your family this Christmas apart from National Garden tokens? On the basis that it is the thought that counts, here are a few ideas to help with the thinking process.

Organic Matter
This covers seeds, plants, tubers and bulbs but also a prized gift like manure and compost.
Seed catalogues and web sites have a vast array of new and trusty old favourites but gardeners who specialise may want a say in the variety, size or appropriateness of a particular plant. Since most gardens can only cope with a limited number of varieties it is best to ask for a wish list or select something else.
Despite the comment above most gardeners would be happy to receive some summer flowering Lilies or other bulbs that can always be planted in a pot.

Equipment
Good quality tools make the jobs in the garden far more pleasurable. Better a good trowel than a cheap spade although a stainless steel spade would suit me down to the ground (literally).
Watering in the summer garden can be an issue and there are many watering devices for collecting and distributing the water to where needed. Strangely I don’t think you can have too many bits of kit to help you do this job so a gift from this range may be useful.
Just because a tool in the garden shed looks old, worn or damaged it doesn’t follow that a new one is wanted as it may be fun making do and mending.
Artistic gifts are a matter of taste and sculptures, garden features and ornaments need to chime with the recipient, the garden and the other stakeholders, so choose with care.

Media
Below are some gardening books to consider. All are available from Amazon by clickingh on the image.
membership of a society like the RHS, Alpine Gardens Socy, or Royal National Rose Society for example may be appropriate. Most offer year round benefits and even free seeds from some clubs.
Gardeners World subscriptions to the monthly magazine or Gardens Illustrated are other potential ideas click on the right.