Gifts to help make garden dreams come true
When looking for gifts for gardeners, there’s no shortage of possibilities, especially for folks who like to grow their own veggies. In fact, far from interest in homegrowing trending downward as was projected twenty some years ago, “growing you own” has only increased. So, while your gardeners might already have all the basic tools, there are plenty of new gadgets, books, tools, and equipment that appear every year, as well as things that speak to the soul of all kinds of gardeners. Here are some interesting things I’ve stumbled across in 2018.
• The Mindful Gardener: A Journal – There are hundreds of great gardening books out there; this is one you write yourself. From the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, The Mindful Gardener is mostly lined pages with prompts—such as the one above—for thinking, writing, and even drawing your experiences in the garden. ($12.47 on Amazon)
• Tower Garden: For those who don’t have enough yard space for a garden or who have an excess of deer and other hungry wildlife, this could be the solution. The Tower Garden lets you grow pretty much any vegetable you can think of, plus strawberries, herbs, and even flowers, whether you have a garden or not. Back in August I had the opportunity to see one of these units in action and it was impressive. The Tower Garden goes a step beyond hydroponics to “aeroponics,” resulting in incredibly large, healthy root masses and healthy, productive plants. For information or to order go to https://halliesteinberg. towergarden.com. ($525 for the basic kit. Lights and dolly are additional)
• Sunscreened Clothing: It’s great to spend time out in the sun, but too much of it can lead to health problems. If you enjoy giving clothing as a gift, look for shirts impregnated with sunscreen. These typically are good for up to sixty or seventy launderings. Or, consider a Solumbra Big Shirt. It’s lightweight, roomy, and has an SPF of 100+. The protection in this garment comes from a unique combination of fibers, weaving techniques, and dying methods. There is no sunscreen to wash out. ($94.95 at https://www.sunprecautions. com/product/17700) Other options from L.L. Bean and other merchants of outdoor gear.
• Perpetual Gardening Calendar: Designed for gardeners in Chester County, this guide to planting and other gardening activities is useful throughout the Delaware Valley. Covers vegetables, fruits, bulbs, perennials, shrubs, trees, lawns, and houseplants. ($10 from the Master Gardeners of Chester County at https://bit. ly/2Ecq0F6)
• Dreamscapes: Inspiration and beauty in gardens near and far—For the advanced perennial grower, armchair travelers, or anyone who dreams of beautiful spaces, this book is a luxurious gathering of photos from gardens around the world—the United States, Great Britain, and elsewhere in Europe, as well as gardens in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. By Claire Takacs. ($29.96 on Amazon)
Upcoming Program targets the Spotted Lanternfly
The Spotted Lanternfly is present throughout our region and its range continues to expand. Learn what you can do to reduce the lanternfly population in a program presented by Penn State Extension Certified Master Gardener Sarah Hartman-Caverly. Participants will learn about the arrival and spread of this insect pest in Pennsylvania, how to identify the pest based on its lifecycle states, the environmental and agricultural impact of spotted lanternfly damage, environmentally-sound and research-based pest management techniques, and how to keep up-to-date with the latest information from Penn State Extension and the PA Department of Agriculture.
December 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Struble Room at the Chester County Library & District Center in Exton, PA. Pam Baxter is an avid organic vegetable gardener who lives in Kimberton. Direct e-mail to pamelacbaxter@gmail.com, or send mail to P.O. Box 80, Kimberton, PA 19442. Share your gardening stories on Facebook at “Chester County Roots.” Pam’s book for children and families: Big Life Lessons from Nature’s Little Secrets is available on Amazon, along with her new companion journal, You, the Explorer, at Amazon.com/author/ pamelabaxter.