Gift ideas for gardeners
One of the fun things about being a garden writer, especially at the holidays, is finding little “stocking” emails as the Christmas holiday season approaches, each one stuffed with ideas for gifts for gardeners. Here are a few gifts that stand out for me this year.
Christmas Cactus Plant — This might seem a bit obvious and maybe overdone, but not when you take a look at the new Schlumbergera hybrid named “Christmas Fantasy,” with its peachy, pale orange-colored blossoms. Gorgeous! And, unlike poinsettia plants that rarely ever again look as good as they did when you gifted them, a Christmas cactus requires little care yet will keep bursting into bloom year after year.
“Christmas Fantasy” is available from logees.com by typing the plant name into the search field, or go to https://tinyurl.com/bdzzs79x. Logee’s notes that their Christmas Cactus plants are a bit smaller than usual this year, so they are offering them at the discounted price of $12.95 for a 4” pot.
WEATHER MONITOR >> Most people chitchat about the weather as a sort of pastime, but keeping tabs on the weather is super important for gardeners — knowing how plants will be affected and when the best gardening days and times will be. The Acurite Weather Monitor gives real-time weather conditions for outdoor and indoor temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. Just hang the remote temperature sensor outdoors for current conditions and a hyperlocal weather forecast for the next 12 hours.
The countertop monitor fits virtually anywhere, and the bright, colorful illuminated LCD display is both easy to read and attractive. In addition to temperature and weather conditions, the monitor also shows the time, date, and moon phase. Available on Amazon for $55: https://tinyurl.com/4v7cv6kf
SEED COLLECTIONS >> Many seed companies offer “collections” of seeds that center on a particular type of plant or garden. One of these is Botanical Interests (botanicalinterests.com). Several options caught my eye:
BOTANICAL INTERESTS CONTAINER VEGETABLE COLLECTION >> $26. A collection of vegetables that are easy to grow in containers and small areas. Includes: Bean Bush Contender Organic, Carrot Tonda di Parigi, Cucumber Spacemaster 80, Kale Dwarf Blue Curled, Lettuce Mini-Romaine Little Gem Organic, Onion Bunching/Scallion Tokyo Long White, Pepper Sweet California Wonder, Spinach Lavewa, Squash Summer Delight Emerald, Tomato Cherry Falls.
BOTANICAL INTERESTS KITCHEN GARDEN GIFT SET >>
$41.99. Microgreens and baby greens are not just for chef-inspired plates anymore — these nutrient powerhouses can grow right on your windowsill! Quick and easy to grow indoors, sow micro- and baby greens in successions for a continuous supply at your fingertips. The set includes: Reusable and convenient countertop growing trays; mini snips for harvesting, with ergonomic, rubber-grip handles; Mellow Blend Microgreens seed packet. Living up to its name, this mix gives a delicate flavor boost to all types of cuisine. Market Day Mesclun Baby Greens. Vibrant greens with hints of burgundy, this mild-flavored mix makes the perfect bistro salad.
CAT LOVERS COLLECTION >> $10.50. Because it’s grown indoors,
cat grass can be served year-round at its peak of freshness to assist cats with furball elimination by providing valuable fiber. And cats will love the fresh catnip. Includes 2 packets of Cat Grass, 2 packets of Cat Grass Organic, 1 packet of Catnip Organic.
Botanical Interests has many other gift sets to choose from, along with several simple Christmas craft ideas, like one for making Seed Packet Ornaments, using old seed packets and repurposing old (or newly purchased) cookie cutters. The directions are simple: Trace the outline of a cookie cutter onto a seed packet, cut along the outline, apply craft glue along the edge of the cookie cutter, and then attach the cut packet to the underside of the cookie cutter. (Be sure to punch a hole at the top before you glue.) Add a ribbon to hang.
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. Pam’s book for children and families, Big Life Lessons from Nature’s Little Secrets, is available on Amazon, along with her companion field journal, Explore Outdoors, at Amazon. com/author/pamelabaxter.