Garden Collectors Get a Thrill From Finding Perfect Accessories

Some people enjoy collecting stamps, books or coins. Others collect china, memorabilia or dolls. But did you know that there is another elite group of collectors out there just dying to get their hands on plants and gardening souvenirs? They are known simply as the garden collectors.

They are no different from you or me, and they collect their treasured items for the same reasons as the rest of us do - because they enjoy doing so. However, not everyone is as passionate about showing off their collections for all to see quite so much as the garden collectors. For they put it out there, on display and in plain view, their most treasured pieces, wrapped into one nicely fashioned package or even a few of them in what we like to call a garden or gardens, whichever the case may be.

Since most garden collectors openly display their collections, everything must be placed carefully and in a visually pleasing way. Garden collectors must not to overdo it or else they risk having their garden(s) appear tacky, which ultimately robs the collection of its purpose-to be enjoyed. No one can enjoy a chaotic, jumbled-looking mess. One of the best ways for garden collectors to present their collections is through the use of themes. For instance, if you collect succulent plants, then a desert or southwestern theme might add to its presence. If you're a collector of antique tools, try a barnyard theme. Antique garden ornaments and furniture also require special care, especially during cold weather. Freezing temperatures can cause brittleness, cracking, and breakage. If you're a garden collector, consider bringing these prized objects indoors or cover them up during winter months.

Some garden collectors are intrigued by a specific plant or focus on those sharing the same characteristics. These one-plant garden collectors enjoy growing, propagating, sharing, and showing off one type of plant, from roses to succulents, orchids, or bonsai. Some garden collectors seek out the rarest of plants while others enjoy stick to something new or something old. Perhaps they want every species within a genus. Some garden collectors must try anything and everything (this would be me). Then again, maybe they prefer to collect items relating to a particular gardening style, such as Japanese gardening, or a particular era, like the Victorian. Many garden collectors look for things like old watering cans, antique gardening tools, ceramic garden ornaments, vintage gardening books, and more. The thrill of the hunt is what keeps many garden collectors going. Whether they have ten collectibles or a hundred, the garden collectors want more and will sometimes travel to the ends of the earth in search of their most sought after treasures.

So where do the garden collectors go to find their most-prized possessions? Most garden collectors like to visit other gardens, borrowing plants and ideas. They may seek out special plant sales held by horticultural associations, arboreta, botanical gardens, or other collectors. Many plant collectors also obtain their collectibles during travels or through trading with other garden enthusiasts. Those seeking gardening artifacts might also look to local thrift shops, yard sales, garden antique shows, auctions, flea markets, etc. Many online resources are also available that can help garden collectors find specific items.