The holiday season is a busy time of year, with so many things to do, including finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Choosing the right gift can be challenging, as you want to ensure that the gift is special to the person receiving the gift. A good gift doesn’t have to be over the top, it is simply something that shares your passion with someone, or contributes to their own interests.

As gardeners, we often share from our garden, whether it is the bumper crop of zucchini, a fresh floral bouquet, a divided perennial, or a favourite dish or recipe. These gifts from the garden are special, and are very much appreciated. In the spirit of giving, why not consider giving the gift of gardening. It is a gift that is appropriate to any age, level of friendship or interest, and one that can last a lifetime. Gifts for gardeners can sometimes be tricky as you may not be sure what they have or enjoy, and so here are a few gift ideas that someone on your list may enjoy.

Statues or fountains are a much enjoyed addition to the garden. With so many types of statues to choose from you are sure to find one that would suit the gardener on your list. From angels, to woodland creatures, statuary adds another dimension to the garden. Fountains are another fantastic gift; as they add the wonderful sound of water to the yard, which is both soothing to listen to, and enjoyable to see.

Garden decor such as gazing balls are a favourite. As the folklore goes, gazing balls were used to fend off evil spirits from the garden. Garden flags are another option and are a great inexpensive way to welcome visitors to the garden, and can be placed anywhere.

Gardening tools are always appreciated by a gardener. Good quality hand tools such as trowels, pruners, and hoes, or a good quality garden spade or fork will last for years. A gardener can never have enough watering cans, or water wands, and are always looking for that missing pair of gardening gloves!

Bird watching and feeding the birds is a wonderful way to enjoy wildlife in your backyard. You don’t even have to be a gardener to enjoy feeding the birds. There are a number of different styles and types of bird feeders, bird baths and don’t forget to add a bag of bird seed with the feeder to get started.

Indoor flowering containers and plants make great gift ideas this time of year. For those gardeners who are missing the green growth of the summer, a flowering planter or plant full of fresh colour and fragrance is sure to please. Or, you can add some fresh greenery to the outside of the home by giving an outdoor drop pot, arranged with fresh greens, bows, twigs, cones etc.

Gift cards to a Garden Centre are truly a perfect gift for a gardener! These gifts open up a world of possibilities: a new tree or shrub, a selection of new perennials, new seeds to start in the spring, or even a tropical houseplant to bring the gardening indoors for the winter.

The gift of gardening is perfect for both the seasoned gardeners and the novice, for those with acres to play with, or a balcony to fill with plants to lovingly tend. It is a gift of relaxation, enjoyment, and togetherness. Share the joy with those on your list this year and give them the Gift of Gardening!

-Jos
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)