Looking for that perfect gift for the gardener on your list?
Whether the gardener is a beginner, or an experienced gardener, there is always something new that he or she may want or need.

Good quality tools are always appreciated, as they can make the job easier and enjoyable. A high quality tool if looked after properly can last for years. They may cost a little more money initially, but in the long run it is money well spent as these tools will not need to be replaced for many years.

Well-made stainless steel tools such as spades, shovels, rakes, edgers, and garden forks will not bend or break. The same thing can be said for good quality hand tools such as trowels, and cultivators. These are all important tools for the gardener. Every gardener needs at least one pair of good pruners and a leather scabbard to put them in. The Swiss made ‘Felco’ pruners or the well-made ‘Corona’ pruners are both good brands that have proven themselves over the years. Other pruning tools include lopping shears, saws, and telescopic pruners for those high branches.

For the gardener who enjoys starting their own seeds indoors, there are planting trays, inserts, plastic domes, heating mats, adjustable light rack, plant markers, and starter mix which would make any gardener happy.

Every gardener needs at least one good garden hose. Put the garden hose on a hose reel for easy access and to keep the yard looking tidy. Other items for watering include sprinklers, water wands, adjustable hose nozzles, and watering cans.

Accessories for the yard such as weather vanes, spinners, wind chimes, solar lights, lanterns, signs, statuary, garden benches, gnomes, garden balls, fountains, etc., all beautify the yard and add that extra touch!

Stocking stuffers could include a pair of ‘Miracle Workers’ garden gloves. These gloves are thin and easy to work in. Garden twine always comes in handy, as do row markers, knees pads, soil pH test kits, or the compact ‘Dramm’ shears which can be used for a number of small chores.

Attract birds, bees and butterflies to the yard! There is a large assortment of bird houses, and feeders, along with the different birds seeds and feed to put into the feeders. Mason bee houses are another idea that gardeners like, as mason bees help with pollination.

For the gardener who likes to read, we have a Plant and Garden guide that was published this past year with over 350 pages of plant information that is geared for our Northern zone 3 climate. It covers everything from trees, shrubs, vegetables, water gardening, bulbs, perennials, annuals, edibles and indoor houseplants.

Indoor gardening is a great way to keep a green thumb exercised. There is a wide array of different houseplants and containers to put them in. Whether you choose flowering houseplants, such as orchids, azaleas, poinsettias, African violets, etc., or tropical plants, choosing a new plant for the gardener on your list will certainly put a smile on their face!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, from Jos and family.

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres in Prince George:

• Highway 16 west at Kimball Road
• Highway 97 north at Northwood Pulpmill Road (closed for the season)