Christmas gifts that gardeners will dig
PASSING a field of Christmas trees being harvested, I realised that it was time to start thinking of gifts for garden-loving friends.
Over the years I’ve given countless pairs of secateurs, flowering houseplants and amaryllis bulbs but increasingly I like to give something more personal, finding gifts from craft companies or makers with strong links to this part of the world.
One of these is Scotia Seeds from Brechin who grow and sell the seeds of native species, such as Red Campion and the wonderfully-named Melancholy Thistle.
They have seed mixes for meadows and damp pondsides as well as ones designed to support bees and butterflies and a small stack of seed packets, tied up with a ribbon, would make a very nice present. (scotiaseeds. co.uk or call 01356 626425).
Some of the best gifts are filled with promise and that’s what a ticket to Gardening Scotland delivers.
Next year, the national festival of gardening takes place from June 1-3 and for anyone who loves finding new plants and talking to experts, then its unmissable.
Afternoon tea packages are also available, and I can’t think of a better gift than indulging in a glass of fizz and fancy cakes while surrounded by flowers. (gardeningscotland.com).
Snapdragon, based in Balfron, is a small company with a big reputation for making beautiful craft items, many with botanical themes.
Among their many beautiful products are gardening journals, plant label holders and mugs decorated with the flowers from founder Jane Lindsey’s garden.
My favourites are large, bone china mugs decorated with fennel seed heads. (snapdragononline.co.uk).
Andrea Jones from South Ayrshire is one of the world’s leading garden photographers, but for her latest book The Garden Photography Workshop, she uses her talent and techniques to help gardeners take better photos of their plants and garden.
The book covers digital cameras, smartphones and tablets and you’ll learn how to take outstanding images. (Timber Press, £12.05)
Sometimes after a hard day’s digging you need something to soothe your aching muscles – and Gordon Castle Gin works a treat.
It is made with ingredients grown in the newly-restored walled garden of an historic estate near Fochabers. The garden has been laid out by Arne Maynard, and I would definitely recommend visiting it, but for anyone who can’t get there, the gin will give them the flavour of the place. (£34.25, gordoncastlescotland.com)
And I’d be delighted to receive membership of the Scottish Auricula & Primula Society.
For just £8 it provides a window into a world where enthusiasts grow beautiful, jewel-like plants and with plans to expand my own auricula collection I could do with their expert wisdom.