2018 Gardener’s Gift Guide
There’s no escaping the fact that the holidays are here. If you are trying to think of a gift for the gardener in your life, or wanting to drop “hints” about something you’d really like to receive, I’m here to help you out! This year’s Gardener’s Gift Guide contains 10 fabulous items that won’t break the bank:
(note: I have personally selected the following items and have not been paid to choose specific products. Also, remember that you can click on any of the photos to view a larger image.)
Bottle-top Waterers: These are so reasonably priced, they’d make a great stocking stuffer! Ever since I shot a video where I happened to use a bottle-top waterer, you would not believe how many folks have asked me about them. They come in sets of 4 or 6, and will screw onto a pop bottle to make indoor watering a breeze. I especially love using them for watering seedlings and microgreens because they are very gentle. Cost: $5.95 to $6.95/set. Where to find: Kinsman, Lee Valley Tools, Amazon. (photo courtesy of Kinsman Company)
Cobrahead Weeder & Cultivator: I’ve had a Cobrahead for a few years now and it is absolutely my go-to hand tool for all sorts of gardening tasks, whether I’m weeding, planting seedlings, or digging up potatoes. The handles are sturdy yet lightweight and comfortable. I’ve tried both the original and the mini, and I like both equally. I wrote a review of it on my blog in 2014: take a look. Cost: Cobrahead Original $24.95; Cobrahead Mini $21.95. Where to find: Cobrahead website, Amazon, Gardener’s Supply.
Amaryllis Bulbs: This is a perfect gift for those who are really missing being able to play in the dirt as well as the colors we enjoyed in our gardens all season long. Amaryllis bulbs are very easy to grow and there are some amazing new cultivars that are drop-dead gorgeous. Cost: It varies widely, depending on the type you get and if a container is included. Where to find: I am really impressed with the extensive selection available through Gardener’s Supply, including waxed Amaryllis bulbs which don’t require soil or water!
RooApron’s Joey Apron: Located in the Pacific Northwest, the Roo Apron company has been creating sturdy, colorful and useful garden aprons for several years. They are cleverly designed with pouches to hold all of the things we gardeners gather during the course of working in our gardens: weeds, produce, prunings, harvesting tree fruits, and so on. When the pouch is full or you’re done for the day (whichever comes first), the pouch is very easily released and emptied. That’s so much easier than trying to juggle everything in your arms or within your t-shirt! While I have the full-length Roo, one of their newest products is the Joey waist apron. It is also designed to hold the above items and ideal for folks who would rather tie an apron around their waist. Cost: $29.95. Where to find: The Roo Apron, Johnny’s Seeds. (photo courtesy of The Roo Apron)
Achla Designs Hammered Cooper Bowl Bird Bath: You all know that I’m an avid birdwatcher, right? Well, birdbaths draw in a lot of birds to the garden so this is perfect for the birdwatcher on your gift list. When I saw these gorgeous hammered copper birdbaths, I immediately thought they would make a lovely addition to any garden. And I love how Gardener’s Supply guarantees everything they sell. That’s a slam-dunk in my book! Cost: $74.95. Where to find: Gardener’s Supply. (photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply)
Three-year Gardener’s Gratitude Journal: The number one tool for being a successful gardener is a journal where you can jot down your successes and the things that didn’t go so well (I hate to say “failures”). But what’s even better than a standard garden journal, is this three-year journal designed by Donna Balzer. When you can compare what’s happened over the course of three years, it allows you to detect patterns as well as determine the best timing for planting, etc. I reviewed the Three-year Gardener’s Gratitude Journal in March, so be sure to read it so you can see exactly how useful this is! Cost: The book is produced in Canada so it costs $28.55 in Canadian dollars, which translates to about $21.50 in U.S. dollars. Where to find: DonnaBalzer.com. (It is also available on Amazon but is more expensive.)
Intervale Essential Garden Tools, Set of Three: We gardeners love our tools but sometimes they don’t last as long as we’d like. These Intervale hand tools are beautifully made and made to last. They have attractive wooden handles and the “business” end of each tool is made from stainless steel. The set includes a trowel, fork and cultivator. Cost: $39.95. I like how Gardener’s Supply guarantees everything they sell, which makes me confident about my purchases. Where to find: Gardener’s Supply. (photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply)
Metal Harvest Basket: I’ve had one of these for many years now and it’s still going strong. This harvest basket is sturdy, attractive and has plenty of capacity for the produce you need to pick for dinner. There is a durable wooden handle and the basket is made with a galvanized metal mesh so it will not rust. And you can easily rinse off your pickings with a hose so you don’t end up with a bunch of soil in your kitchen sink. Cost: $39.99. Where to find: GrowOrganic.com.
Dramm 9-Pattern Revolver Spray Nozzle: I am so impressed with this new spray nozzle! Besides coming in really cool colors (red, orange, green, berry, yellow and blue), they are beautifully made. This nozzle has 9 different spray patterns (fan, cone, jet, mist, soaker, flat, shower, etc.) so you can select the best type of spray for the job at hand. For example, I choose “mist” for spraying delicate seedlings and it is absolutely perfect. Dramm has been in business for 75 years so they really know what they’re doing! Cost: $12-15. Where to find: Amazon, GrowOrganic.com.
Edwardian Bird Feeder: You’ve probably seen many a bird photo where our feathered friends are sitting on our Edwardian bird feeder. I think it’s the coolest thing ever and apparently you do, too, because a lot of folks ask me where I got it. This feeder is squirrel-resistant, holds a nice amount of any type of seeds you use, and looks stylish in the garden. Cost: $44.95. And once again, Gardener’s Supply guarantees everything they sell. Where to find: Gardener’s Supply.