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Father’s Day Gifts for the Gardening Dad 2010

Karen — Wed, 12 May 2010 12:25:52 +0000

Read 'Father’s Day Gifts for the Gardening Dad 2010' at http://www.KarensGardenTips.com.

With Father’s Day drawing close you have been thinking about gifts for Dad . Perhaps your dad likes to garden and a gift that pays recognition to his gardening instincts would be special. Some dads are very much into the hard work involved in gardening and enjoy the “big muscle” sort of activities that are required to get things going and keep them running. Others are inclined to enjoy the more poetic aspects of gardening, while still others pursue an interest in preserving nature. There are many motives involved in gardening and, therefore, many different kinds of gifts that will meet the needs and wants of a gardening dad. Here is a list that provides a variety of gift ideas, all of which can be bought online. Let the list provide inspiration to lead you to the perfect choice.

Let’s start with the practical:

1. Steel toe boots: Heavy gardening chores often involve heavy weights that can hurt toes and feet. A good pair of steel-toed boots will protect the toes as well as provide good support, traction, and comfort. They come in a variety of price ranges.
Buy Timberland Pro Men’s Pitboss 6

2. Long handled clippers. If there are pruning jobs that have to be done each year these clippers are a real boon. They are perfect for the big 2” vines or branches that can not be cut with the ordinary one handed clippers. The long handles maximize the cutting power making hard jobs much easier.
Buy Fiskars 9154 PowerGear 31-1/2-Inch Bypass Lopper

3. Earmuff: Does your gardening dad ride a power lawn mower and you fear for his hearing? How about a set of earmuffs to protect his ears from loud sounds, if he has a shop, he can also use them there.
Buy Peltor H10A Optime 105 Over-the-Head Earmuff

4. Garden Trug: This handy 7 gallon trug made of UV and frost resistant polyethylene is ideal for gathering vegetables that can be washed right in the trug, carrying mulch, compost, leaves or weeds, and hauling up to 150 pounds. It is tough enough to carry bricks and flexible enough to pinch together to form a sprout so you can water your potted plants. And you can choose from several different colors.
Buy Seven Gallon Trug

5. Worms: If your gardening dad has a compost pile perhaps he would like an order of composting worms. Of course, he can put them directly into the garden or use them to create worm castings that are considered a natural deterrent to soil born plant diseases and insects.
Buy Red Wiggler Composting Worms 1 Lb Package

6. Lady Bugs: A natural predator of aphids, mealy bugs, scale, leaf hoppers and other pests, they also add charm to the garden while taking care of many insect pests, reducing the need for chemical.
Buy 1500 Live LadyBugs – A GOOD BUG! – Lady Bug
You can also buy a ladybug house!

7. Topsy Turvy Upside-Down Tomato Planter: This one is good for the gardening dad that likes a novelty. Of course, it is also good for the dad that would like to have a vegetable garden but doesn’t have enough space. If he has a place for a hanging container, this is a great way to have fresh tomatoes without a garden.
Buy Felknor Ventures 82506 Topsy Turvy Upside-Down Tomato Planter

8. Sundial: A garden ornament is always a pleasure to receive and what could be a more interesting garden ornament than a sundial? Placed on a podium (ordered separately) and surrounded by flowering plants or shrubs it brings a feeling of nostalgia an permanence to any garden.
Buy Rome RM2308 Brass Sundial

9. Wind chimes: Music to the garden adds a whole new dimension to the garden experience and these wind chimes are special. Their sounds are lower than the usual kinds and create the ambiance of a cathedral. Soprano and baritone chimes are also available and make good companions.
Buy Woodstock Percussion GAS Gregorian Alto Chime, Silver

10. Hammock: After a hard day working in the garden what could be more enjoyable than lying back in a hammock with a cool drink and enjoying the fruits of your labor? The one shown is made of cotton so is cool; it is light and easy to install so can be taken on camping trips too.Buy Texsport La Paz Hammock

Gifts for the Gardening Mom on Mother’s Day (2010)

Karen — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:09:14 +0000

Read 'Gifts for the Gardening Mom on Mother’s Day (2010)' at http://www.KarensGardenTips.com.

When Mother’s Day comes around the gardening season is in full swing and gardening mothers are especially appreciative of gifts relating to gardening. Whether she is a casual gardener or a gardening fanatic there are gifts in all price ranges that are sure to please. For 2010 I have focused on gifts that are available online; just click on the link and you can go to a site with more information. This is not a definitive list, but may start you think about the kinds of things a gardening mom might like and help you explore some of the possibilities.

Let’s start with the practical:

Gardening Gloves:

Anybody who gardens knows that they weed or dig in the soil and their hands are going to become dirt stained and their nails are going to become grimy and torn. A good pair of gloves is the answer. Look for products that have breathable fabric and fit so that dexterity is maintained. Also consider that they will get a lot of tough wear and should be durable as well as washable. If Mom already has gloves, never fear, she will be grateful for an extra set.
Buy Gardening Gloves from Ama zon.com.

Wellington Boots:

The classic English boot for the gardener is the Wellie; the green color is traditional but they come in many different colors. They do double duty in the rain and bad weather and can be used all year long.
Buy Wellington Boots from Amazon.com.

Hat:

We all know that we should protect our skin and why not do it with style? This wide brimmed hat is cool, comfortable, attractive and practical. And during the winter months when it is not needed it can be rolled up for storage. It’s also good for golf or just strolling along the board walk at the beach.
Buy a Sun Hat from Amazon.com.

Every garden is enhanced with ornaments. They can be as large as a fountain or as small as plaque but I’ll focus on some medium sized ones.

Gazing balls:

They come in an amazing array of colors so there bound to be one that fits in perfectly with the style and color scheme of any garden. There are even ones the glow after dark…but if that strikes your fancy make sure that the glow lasts a while as many are done before you can enjoy them. Look for durability; you don’t want to have shattered glass all over your lawn or garden if it gets knocked off its stand. And speaking of stands, they have to be purchased separately.
Buy a Gazing ball from Amazon.com.

Ten Terrific Father’s Day Gifts for Gardening Dads.

Karen — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:26:10 +0000

Read 'Ten Terrific Father’s Day Gifts for Gardening Dads.' at http://www.KarensGardenTips.com.

When it comes to a Father’s Day gift for a dad that is a gardener, do you want to buy something that is useful? Or something that will make Dad feel special? Do you want to give Dad a token gift so that he knows that you love and remembered him? Or do you want to go all out? Here is a list of gift ideas to fit a variety of circumstances and budgets. I begin with the most practical.

1. A bar of soap designed for a gardener’s hand s. This seems to run under $10 and is a great blessing to anyone who has to wash the sand, mud, or clay off his hands. These soaps are usually vegetable based and contain fine pumice. They are very effective and last a long time.

2. Trug for hauling everything. I recommend one that is made of rubber and so is very flexible and light. It can be used for weeding, mulching, watering, and hauling compost or soil…anything a gardeners wants to haul around. These are in the $20 dollar range depending on the size; I have the largest one I can carry.

3. Gloves to protect the hands during difficult chores. Men need gloves when they handle rough, sharp, or thorny items. Good gloves will allow freedom of movement even in delicate jobs, allow the hands to breathe, and be made of durable materials that can withstand a variety of abusive chores. Other good features to consider are padded palms and reinforced fingertips. Personally, I also like a feature that will prevent dirt and other debris from coming into the gloves. Long length or a tight band around the wrist will do that but I don’t think men are much into this feature. These will run from $20-40 or more.

4. Pruning shears for a myriad of clipping chores. A good pair of pruning shears makes light work of some grueling garden chores. A decent pair will probably cost about $30-40 and could cost more but are worth every dollar. You want to be assured that the blades are good quality so they will hold their sharpness. Dull shears are no help at all. If Dad already has good pruning shears, consider a pair of very good quality all purpose scissors for deadheading and clipping small stems. They have very large loops for handles, very sharp blades, and a strong screw holding the blades together that can be tightened when necessary. These run about $16. If Dad has these tools consider a tote to carry the tools. Belt totes are easy for Dad to wear and look like those of any workman.

Teak Labels

5. Labels and a marker for plants. To identify the location of plants that disappear during the winter or to label each plant with its name and other information, labels of some sort are needed. They come in variety of materials such as plastic, metal, wood, stone, or terracotta and a variety of styles from very simple to quite fancy. Also consider buying some plastic ones for short-term use and fancier more expensive ones for long term use. The key thing to remember is to buy a marker for the labels that will be permanent. This is not as easy to do as you might think. Wax pencils and household markers fade in the sun after a year or two so buy a marker that is specifically for garden or outdoor use.

6. Welcoming sign for the garden. Every gardener likes to share his/her garden with friends and a personalized welcoming sign is just the way to start the visit. There are many signs available in a variety of styles and motifs and if you want to up scale there are artists who will make whatever will please that special dad. If the welcoming sign does not appeal to you, how about a personalized doormat for Dad to wipe his feet on when he comes out of the garden into the house. Mom will be grateful and love it too.

7. A special plant that has significance for Dad. My dad always wanted a Franklinia tree; my husband thinks horseradish is special and talks about gardenias several times a year. With the internet and online shopping it is easy to find rare and unusual plants. Try Plant Delights in Raleigh, North Caroline (www.plantdelights.com). It isn’t cheap but sure has unusual plants.

8. A book on Dad’s favorite plant or garden interest. There are books galore on gardening these days and you can browse the library or bookstore shelves to find a good one on a plant, group of plants, or garden feature that is dear to Dad’s heart. Order the book from Amazon and you will probably save a bundle even considering the $4 shipping and handling charge. Dad’s not a book person? Try a magazine subscription. I recommend Horticulture, Fine Gardening, or Garden Gate. The last one has no ads and contains information that any gardener can use. The other two magazines are more regional in coverage each issue. Alternatively, find a regional magazine like Carolina Gardener that will cater to Dad’s needs.

Lighthouse birdhouse

9. Birdhouse or feeder. Most gardeners enjoy birds with their garden so buying a feeder or house is a good way to attract them. They can be very simple (and cheap) or very elaborate (and expensive) but there is one to fit every fantasy. How does a French Villa or Cape Cod seaside birdhouse grab you? No? OK (and this one will really do it) a replica of Dad’s house! So, he would not put it in the garden? My favorite, a thatched English house and feeder, sits on top of an antique hutch in my family room. What’s wrong with that? I enjoy it everyday, any season. But maybe your dad is just not a birdhouse kind of guy. How about a toad house? Or a bat house? Both can be bought at moderate prices online in a variety of styles.

10. Vegetable of the Month Club. This one seems so out of the ordinary to me I just had to include it. The Organic Vegetable Club sends 10-15 pounds of 6-12 different vegetables for about $60. Potato Sampler of the Month Club sends 8 pounds total of three different kinds of potatoes for about $40. I have never had these but think maybe I should.

Hopefully something in this list will resonate with you even if only to spark your imagination of something to do for Father’s Day that will really be special. All of them will last a while and can be enjoyed over a period of time. As a parent I can honestly say that knowing my kids care enough to do something is my pleasure. So, get out there and do something!

Great Garden Gift Ideas for Spring Birthdays

Karen — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:42:39 +0000

Read 'Great Garden Gift Ideas for Spring Birthdays' at http://www.KarensGardenTips.com.

Finding the perfect gift for a gardener can be fun as the possibilities are great. First consider the obvious: plants. Grocery stores and garden centers like Loews and Home Depot provide a large selection almost any time of year. A plant that can go from the windowsill to the garden is especially desirable, and one that has fragrance as well as beauty is a double winner. Some plants that I have seen this winter in the stores include; rosemary, French lavender, gardenia, azalea, hydrangea, miniature rose, oriental lily and cyclamen. If you want to upgrade the plant buy a decorative pot in which to set the plant, and/or add a bow.

If your gardening friend likes to raise plants from seeds try a selection of seed packs, either flowers or vegetables depending on the inclination of your friend, together with peat pots, a bag of potting soil, and a container of fertilizer. Or perhaps you might find one of those little mini windowsill green houses instead of the peat pots.

A garden ornament is another much-appreciated gift for the gardener and is available at garden centers as well as big box stores and mail order suppliers. A small statue of concrete or resin can be bought for as little as $5. Animals are especially nice and I have recently seen birds, rabbits, groundhogs, turtles, and frogs. Other garden ornaments include a birdbath, bird house and feeder, decorative handle for the garden spigot, hose guides, plaque featuring plants or a garden quote, and wind chimes

If you want to really knock the socks off a gardener send him/her an Edible Arrangement. These are beautiful creations made of a variety of fruits, especially melons, and may include strawberries, dipped in chocolate if you wish, as well as pineapple and grapes. The number of arrangements they offer is large hitting many price points and occasions. This is truly a treat! For more information go to: www.ediblearrangements.com.

Items that would make life in the garden more pleasant may be in order for the serious gardener. A unique watering can, a kneeling pad, a sharp pair of shears, gloves to keep the hands tender, or waterproof shoes or boots (English Wellingtons perhaps?), would be appropriate. A carrier for tools, attractive plant labels, and bucket for weeds all make fine practical gifts.

And what does the local mall have to offer? Any department store might be the source of garden inspired accessories such as earrings or pins replicating flowers, scarves, and tee-shirts. The bookstore could provide a garden calendar, a garden diary or journal, stationary, playing cards, as well as books on a huge variety of garden topics. Alternatively, you might buy a copy of one of the good gardening magazines and follow it up with a subscription. Garden Gate (no ads), Fine Gardening and Horticulture offer excellent content at a reasonable price, while The English Garden provides a wealth of photographs and tips for American gardeners that want the British look.

One more shopping tip: if you are lucky enough to be near a large public garden such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden go to the gift shop. The selection of garden inspired merchandise is awe-inspiring and you will surely find something suitable and unique.

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