Brian Minter: Here are some gifts the gardener in your life will truly appreciate

Are you looking for that perfect gift for the gardener in your life?

After knowing so many different gardeners over a long period of time, I can honestly say that they are an amazing group of folks. Generally speaking, they are plant-wise, cost conscious, practical and know what they like. So, it can be a bit of a challenge to find a gift that they would truly appreciate.

Visiting gardens and discovering new gardening ideas, plants and plant combinations usually top the list of activities and interests that gardeners most enjoy. Gifting a gardener season passes to great gardens or a ticket for a garden tour that includes a number of gardens would be a wonderful way for them to experience a fun day. Tickets to flower and garden shows are wonderful options as well. For years, the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle has been one of the best in North America. In spite of the current American travel issues, this February show will be spectacular.

Many gardening magazines have disappeared over the years, but some good options are still available. Better Homes and Gardens is one. If you check the magazine section of a store that has a good selection, you will find a few gems. In specialty magazine stores and even in grocery and drugstores, you can usually find some excellent British gardening magazines.

Having a controlled environment — where plants can be started earlier in spring and last longer into the fall — is becoming a very important concept being integrated into home gardens. Smaller, attractive greenhouses are a welcome addition for folks wanting to extend their food gardening season. A number of local businesses, like B.C. Greenhouse Builders in Langley, cater to anyone wanting a greenhouse. From planning to construction, they provide professional help to customize the greenhouse that best fits a gardener’s space and growing requirements. Even cold frames, which are ideal for protecting young plants and growing later crops, can be a welcome gift.

Art in the garden has always been a wonderful value-add feature and, today, there are so many opportunities to incorporate some artful touches into a garden. From wrought iron gates, trellises and circular designed sculptured garden scenes, suitable for hanging on walls and fences, to carved wood decor and beautiful cement or resin figurines, unique art pieces will elevate a garden, large or small, and add a personal touch of class and elegance.

Rain chains are attractive alternatives to downspouts and something not found in many gardens. Water trickling over each cup of the chain makes them a uniquely interesting water feature and adds a little touch of whimsy to any garden.

A bird bath is, perhaps, one of the nicest garden features. It should be shallow to accommodate both birds and pollinators that need water on hot summer days. Most garden stores will be low in stock at this time of the year, but getting a gift card for a bird bath that can be selected next spring is a great gift idea.

Small, self-contained water fountains also make an excellent gift — one that is especially appreciated during warm summer weather. The sound of a water fountain is very relaxing and helps to create a sense of peace. Again, there will be a much better selection in spring, so a gift card for one would be best.

Whether a garden is small or large, sometimes a professional redesign can change the whole aspect and energy of a garden. The addition of weather-protected outdoor seating, the sound of flowing water and areas designed for greater privacy are just a few of the features that can turn an outdoor living space into something quite special, even magical. We have many great local landscape architects who create brilliant, inspiring garden designs. Engaging the help of a professional would give your favourite gardener a truly special gift.

Roses still rank high on the list of most-appreciated plants. The new disease-resistant, repeat-blooming, very fragrant varieties are always inspiring and much appreciated gifts. David Austin and Kordes roses are among the best. A gift card for one of the beautiful new roses arriving this spring is something most gardeners would appreciate.

Starting plants from seed is a trend growing exponentially in all demographics. Although it is best to let folks pick out their own favourite varieties, there are some great ancillary gift ideas related to seed propagation. One of the most important is a heating mat. Because of the consistent temperatures it provides, it can make a huge difference in the per cent of successful germination. Seed starting trays, proper seed covers and good seed starting soil mixes are all very helpful for anyone germinating their own seeds.

Pruning is an ongoing process in any garden. I often notice that many gardeners purchase the least expensive types of pruners, but for anyone who does a lot of pruning, quality shears will make all the difference in the ease of cutting and the quality of the cut. There are many great brands. Swiss-made Felco shears are some of the best, and they come in a variety of styles and capacities to handle a range of branch sizes. They also have replaceable parts, such as the blades.

Winter flowering plants, like hellebores, viburnum Pink Dawn, Chinese witch hazels and the rare Prunus mumé, make wonderful lasting gifts that can be enjoyed immediately and then planted out in spring.

I hope this list of suggestions sparks some gift ideas for the gardeners in your life, but when all is said and done, a gift card for their favourite garden store is always a treasured gift. They are often appreciated more than you might image.

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