10 Excellent Garden Gift Ideas for the Avid Gardener on Your List

Need garden gift ideas for the gardener on your Christmas, Birthday, or other occasion list? Here are ten great garden gift ideas to help make your Christmas or birthday shopping easier.

Garden Gift Idea #1: A garden gift card:Ask your local garden center if they sell gift cards. Chances are that they do. You can also buy one from your local Home Depot or Lowe's. A garden gift card is a great Christmas present because it can be saved until spring is approaching.

Garden Gift Idea #2: Gardening magazine subscription:A subscription to a gardening magazine is a present that will really please an avid gardener, especially in the winter. A magazine subscription ranges from $10 to $39, which isn't too expensive. Magazine subscriptions make a great Christmas present as the subscription gives the gardener something to read in winter.

Garden Gift Idea #3: Catalog salad: Procure five or more catalogs from five different plant vendors. Catalogs can be selected in relation to the gardener's interest. For one, it may be plants; another may love outdoor statuary, still another may be a huge fan of water plants. Or you can mix in different catalogs from different types of plant vendors. A nice card with either a gift card or some money is a nice addition to this. This garden gift idea is perfect for Christmas or for late fall to early spring.

Garden Gift Idea #4: Book about gardening and plants: Is your avid gardener a bookworm, or has he or she always wanted to learn more on a specific aspect of gardening? A book on gardening can be the perfect garden gift, especially for Christmas. The gardener will enjoy reading the book in the winter while the plants are dormant. Nonetheless, this garden gift idea is good year-round.

Garden Gift Idea #5: Gardening Gloves: Most gardeners cannot be without their gloves, and since I know how awful dry dirt feels, I don't blame them one bit. Gloves wear out in time, so a gardener can always appreciate having an extra pair of gardening gloves on hand. This garden gift is great for Christmas or any time.

Garden Gift Idea #6: A division of a coveted plant: The best part about this present is that it is free! Do you have a nice perennial plant that needs division that the gardener on your list has openly coveted? The only problem is that gifting the perennial plant is contingent upon a specific season of the year. Most plants can be divided during different times of the growing season with varying results. It is recommended to research the requirements of the specific plant before dividing it. For example, Iris plants cannot be divided while in bloom but can be dug in early spring and from June to frost, with the best time being July-August. Should the perennial plant be inaccessible, e.g., Christmas, the promise to dig the plant in spring can be given as long as you remember to carry out that promise. Make sure the plant is not protected with a plant patent before propagating.

Garden Gift Idea #7: A potted plant: Annuals are a great present in spring, while Chrysanthemums are great in fall. Perennials and shrubs can be given as presents as long as the garden center is open for purchase of the plant. Unfortunately, this garden gift idea does not work for Christmas.

Garden Gift Idea #8: Planter pots:Garden Centers sell a variety of clay, plastic, fiberglass, or wood planter pots that vary in size from a six-inch pot to a whiskey barrel. Is your gardener in need of container plantings or a big fan of them? These containers can be purchased with annuals already planted in them, often for a price cheaper than if the materials had been purchased separately. Again, this garden gift may be hard to find at Christmas.

Garden Gift Idea #9: Yard tools:Gardeners always can find a use for tools, but finding a tool that they are in need of can be a bit tricky. Should they be in need of a specific tool, then that tool makes the perfect garden gift. Tools are a great present at Christmas or any time of the year.

Garden Gift Idea #10: A can of gasoline: If the gardener on your list uses lawn mowers or other equipment, a small can filled with gasoline can be a nice present. A package of 2-cycle oil can also be included if the gas is to be used for backpack blowers or weed whackers. This garden gift is best during the season. Be sure to specify whether or not there is gas/oil mix or plain gas in the can. If used as a Christmas gift, the gas container can be left empty. Caution: Do not bring a can of gas inside a house. If wrapped, the can should be left empty.

So there they are, ten great garden gift ideas. I hope that this list makes your shopping easier this Christmas or occasion. Remember, all a great garden gift really needs to do is fill a need or want and put a smile on the recipient's face.