Great Gift Ideas for Gardeners

By J. A. Young

For many, gardening and working outdoors is a way of life. Showing your appreciation for the gardener in your life can be accomplished by giving a thoughtful gift that is both thoughtful and useful. No matter what your price range, there is a wide array of gifts that are ideal for gardening hobbyists and enthusiasts.

Many gardeners have their favorite types of plants while others are open to making anything grow. Giving a plant or even a tree that is appealing to your gardener's taste is an excellent gift idea - especially those that last beyond a single growing season. From blue spruce trees to ornamental cherries, if you know your gardener has space for a tree, why not pick one out for them that is easy to maintain and lovely to behold.

Also, many plants are novelties in and of themselves. Consider purchasing a venus flytrap or sarracenia pitcher plant - two amazing types of plants that eat insects. An aloe plant or cactus are easy to maintain and can be grown indoors. Or, if your gardener likes antiques, consider purchasing heirloom roses that will add class and beauty to any garden. Other fine plants to consider giving as gifts include African violets, orchids, ferns, etc. Herbs like rosemary and thyme also make nice gifts and may inspire your gardener to begin a kitchen garden which has many practical uses.

Giving baskets or containers filled with gardening implements will be very useful to your gardener. There are many styles of containers from Spanish water jugs to plain terra cotta pots that may be filled with everything from seed packets, bulbs, gloves, small garden tools, hand creams, sunscreens, bonnets, and more. Such a gift is perfect for any gardener and putting the basket together is great fun for the gift-giver as well. Other items you might include in a gift basket include books on any applicable garden topic, birdseed, small statuettes, garden clogs, subscription to a favorite gardening magazine, etc. Also, instead of a container for plants, an alternative might be a large compost pail for collecting kitchen scraps for the garden.

If your gardener is interested in dabbling with exotics and tropical plants, giving a greenhouse is the perfect gift. From inexpensive tabletop models to tent-style models and wood frame models, there are many styles available. The more elaborate ones are naturally more expensive, but if you are looking to give an expensive gift that will truly keep on giving, a portable greenhouse will be greatly appreciated by your gardener.

Of course, there are other structures that might make the perfect gift for your gardener. Arbors are available that come with built in seats and there are many styles of arches that will suit any garden. A thoughtful gift might be to give a trellis with a climbing plant. A gazebo is a large purchase, but it is also a great gift that comes in many styles to suit any budget.

Garden furniture can easily be purchased and is available in many styles. From a small wrought iron table and chairs to a comfy hammock to vintage patio loungers, there is a wide array to choose from. Even small stone benches that can be placed within the garden make great gifts. Gliders and swings suggest relaxation after a long day in the garden. Even plant racks for the patio will be appreciated by your gardener.

If your gardener already has a patio furniture set or a picnic table, consider a tabletop gift like a fire bowl or small fountain. Fire bowls are perfect accompaniments for chilly evenings out in the yard. Tabletop fountains come in many styles and some are even solar powered. Other great tabletop gifts include oil lamps, bug-repelling candles, tabletop sundials, sun catchers, stone coasters, copper watering can, tabletop grill, etc.

Of course there are many more ways to give your gardener a unique gift relevant to their personal style. Consider any of the following for your special gardener: mosaic-designed birdbath, a Victorian birdhouse or feeder, collection of novelty tree faces, gardening videos, driftwood wind chimes, rooster weather vane, a gazing ball, rabbit statuettes, stained glass garden markers, ornamental gourds, a scarecrow, a wishing well, a rocking chair, tiki umbrella, lanterns, Art Deco solar stepping stones, floating pond lights, a southwestern chimenea, a foldable canopy, a sun sculpture, a decorative campfire ring, an around-the-tree bench, decorative rocks, a tranquility fountain, a small basin, window boxes, etc.

Giving your gardener a meaningful gift that is relevant to their life outdoors is the perfect way to express your appreciation for their hard work. There are many gifts for gardeners that are as lovely as they are practical. Your gardener will be thrilled to receive a gift that supports their love of the garden.

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