Tools, books and other handy gifts for gardeners
On a splendidly usable day recently, I was out in the garden madly pruning a very old and rambunctious Akebia vine growing into smothered red huckleberry bushes and over a tottering length of snake fence. Everything was distressingly overgrown and calling out for a chance to make a fresh start. Also, the pathway on which the vine was flowing needed to be reclaimed.
It was exhilarating, this creating space. And just as I did, frequently, when cutting back the fig tree to a manageable size not long ago, I kept scrutinizing my pair of small, #6 Felco hand pruners and wondered how, after many thousands of hard cuts, the poor things have managed to stay in one piece. I can’t even remember when I bought them — a dozen or so years ago, I think. They’re a miracle.
For practical-minded, frugal people, who want machines and tools to last a long time and who abhor the planned obsolescence built into so many of the appliances, machines and tools we use, a well-designed, supremely durable garden tool is a treasure. Quality tools save money over the long term, and make gardening an easy pleasure rather than an irksome struggle. A good tool should last a lifetime.
If a close gardening friend or relative has been complaining about a wonky weeding tool or cranky secateurs, consider presenting them with a quality replacement tool this Christmas.
For those just starting out on the gardening path, basic tools, ones I’m almost never in the garden without, include hand pruners (secateurs), trowel, a claw or pick-style hand cultivator, garden gloves, a sharp digging shovel and a basket or bin to hold debris and young weeds destined for the compost.
Amusing distractions. A nice counter to all this practicality are little points of sheer fun in a garden, such as the sleeping elf and green ceramic frog perched on shelving beside my greenhouse.
A gift of garden art can highlight plantings, enliven a garden and prompt a gardener to pause and enjoy. There are amusing concrete animals, laughing Buddhas, metal sculptures, garden fairies, ornamental solar lights, and whimsical bird houses to hang on fences, posts and tree branches. Garden centres and gardeners’ gift shops will have many forms of garden art on display, including locally made products.
Gardening comfort. If someone on your gift list is an intrepid fall and winter gardener, snoop around to find out how comfortably he or she is equipped for working outdoors. Perhaps a pair of warmly lined, waterproof gloves would be a precisely appropriate present, or a pair of boots or clogs designed to keep feet warm and dry.
Ideal for gardeners whose knee pads always end up around their ankles are pads equipped with a wide band or bands instead of a single, narrow strap to keep them securely in place.
Cosy time. Midwinter, and the holiday season, will hopefully gift us with a bit of “cosy” time to sink into a soft, relaxing arm chair, cup of tea or glass of wine nearby, to scan the new garden catalogues, begin planning the 2018 garden and perhaps delve into a new garden book.
Selecting a book for a gardener is easy. Just keep the person’s key interests in mind. Is she mad for herbs, a fanatic vegetable gardener, a fan of fruiting plants, a zealous pruner? There’s a title for every topic.
Elizabeth Cull, franchise president of the Dig This stores, is currently enthused about The Edible Balcony, which she describes as a “fun, inspiring book” full of creative ideas for how to grow almost anything edible in a container on a balcony, deck or patio.
Even for people with large gardens it’s a convenient pleasure to step out of a doorway and immediately gather a few tomatoes, some peppers and, perhaps, a cucumber and some flavouring herbs, all from containers. I appreciate my edible patio garden. Even in winter, there’s a creeping rosemary to snip, and sometimes pots of hardy greens.
Little things. “Stocking-stuffer” gifts abound for the home gardener. Seeds for a person’s favourite vegetables or flowers give the pleasure of anticipation. Consider a mug with a cover for tea in the garden, plant labels and permanent markers, a bar of gardeners’ soap or a gift certificate from a local garden outlet or gift store.