Text by Hélène Baril – horticulturist, author, and speaker
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At the end of November, the Christmas gift rush is officially underway, and you want to give personalized gifts that will stand out. On your list, there are certainly a few gardening enthusiasts? Here are some ideas that will please them.
Gardening accessories and practical small tools
Among the accessories, folding kneeler-stools and molded kneepads are very much in demand. Waist aprons, durable work gloves, and tote bags for hand tools are also popular. You can offer sets of ergonomic hand trowels and scrapers for indoor and outdoor gardening, dismantlable pruners for left or right-handers, which makes maintenance easier, as well as small scissors for houseplants and herbs. Don't forget the children. There is a wide range of tools and accessories perfectly suited for budding young gardeners.
Seeds and microgreens
Very trendy, starter kits for seeds are highly appreciated gifts. Choose eco-friendly products that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Avoid single-use kits, opt for durability instead. For a complete experience, accompany your kits with a few packets of vegetable seeds, a planting calendar, and specific soil for seedlings and cuttings.
For food-loving amateur gardeners, opt for indoor microgreen kits. Various starter kits for microgreens are available on the market (with or without soil), take the time to choose the one that will best suit the lifestyle of the recipients. Don't forget to include a few packets of delicious sprouts and microgreens such as broccoli, sunflower, coriander, and radish.
Plants for everyone
It's always nice to receive a houseplant as a gift. Whether large or small, leafy or flowering, the plant offered will last over time and beautify the interiors of your loved ones. Consider also offering terrariums or miniature gardens of cacti and succulents. An original idea that will make people happy. Be careful of cold snaps during transport. Make sure to wrap them well.
A Quebec book as a gift
Gardening books are essential tools that offer many tips and tricks to amateur gardeners. Given the abundant selection of gardening books, it is sometimes difficult to make an informed choice. By selecting books on houseplants, herb cultivation, container gardening, and vegetable growing, you will hit the mark every time. Take the time to leaf through them before making your choice because a well-illustrated and well-explained book is always the best option.
Let's think of our hosts
And if this year, the traditional bottle of wine you bring to your hosts was replaced by a gift with a gardening theme. An easy-to-grow plant, a gardening book selected according to your hosts' preferences, or even tickets for garden visits when the beautiful season returns (Montreal Botanical Garden, Daniel A. Séguin Garden, Parc Marie-Victorin, Jardins de Métis, etc.).
Montreal Botanical Garden
Dare to make a difference... and don't hesitate to personalize your gifts with decorative elements such as pots, garden gnomes, obelisks, solar lamps, as well as bird baths and feeders.
Happy shopping and Happy Holidays to all!
Tips and advice
