Express News Article GARDENING, ETC
December 16, 2001
Gifts for the Gardener
Gardening is America's number one hobby. Chances are that you have a gardener on your gift
list. If you are searching for the perfect present for someone whose passion is digging in the dirt,
we at the Extension office in San Antonio, have compiled a list of suggestions that is sure to please.
Garden tools, both small and large, are always welcome gifts. Every gardener, from the dabbler
to the determined, needs a good set of hand pruners. Anvil pruners have a sharp-edged blade that
makes the cut against a flat-surfaced "anvil." These are usually used for cutting dead wood and
woody stems. Bypass pruners have a scissors-style for cutting tender stems. The curve on the
blades makes a cleaner cut. Therefore, bypass pruners are recommended over the anvil type. A
heavy duty hand trowel is a necessity. Trowels allow for precision digging in small spaces and
they are perfect for installing bedding plants. The most durable trowel is constructed of a singular
piece of continuous metal. Ergonomically designed garden tools will decrease gardening strain
and injury. Nothing can be more frustrating to the busy gardener than having started a project,
then having to stop to search for the appropriate tools. Consider these organizational helpersa
gardening-holster, tool belt (with an extra pocket for a portable phone), a gardening apron with
multiple pockets, or a small basket filled with an assortment of gardening tools. These "step-savers" make the endless chores in the garden more efficient. A new file to sharpen garden tools
is a useful item. Ask for it in the tool section at the home improvement center or nursery. Garden
gloves are available in cotton, stretchy synthetics, sheep skin, and rubber. When buying gloves,
look for specific men's and women's sizing. Gloves with cuffs help prevent dirt from getting
inside the glove. "Rose" gloves are stiffer, yet flexible, and will not allow thorns to penetrate
through the material. They are a thoughtful choice for any rose enthusiast.
Wheelbarrows make shoveling material both in and out, fairly simple, but they can become heavy
and tip over easily. Garden carts have two wheels for stability. Look for quality and strength if
you are considering purchasing a large shovel, fork, hoe, rake, etc. With these items, you usually
"get what you pay for." For example, an inexpensive fork will be constructed of a weaker metal.
The tongs or teeth will easily bend, and in some circumstances even break, when coming in
contact with larger rocks imbedded in our caliche-blessed soils.
Gardening isn't all work! The goal is usually to create a beautiful, peaceful retreat, and the
following items accentuate that idea. Decorative thermometers, rain gauges, and outdoor wall
clocks provide accents and perform useful functions. A wind chime adds a whimsical touch, and
the music of the chimes evokes pleasant memories. Windsocks are fun and very popular. They
come in a variety of fanciful shapes, colors, sizes, and characters that dance with the wind. A
reflective gazing ball placed inconspicuously within a bed lends a magical quality to the
surroundings. They reflect sun and moonlight, providing an entirely different perspective of the
garden. Garden benches, as well as outdoor furniture in general (what about a hammock!),
provide a welcome site for rest, fellowship and contemplation. All are available in a variety of
styles to suit the gardener's taste. Yard art is available in a variety of themes, colors, and
materials, be it gaudy or tasteful--from the famous pink flamingo to small concrete forest animals,
ceramic garden plaques, and decorative foot stonesyou are only limited by your imagination.
Fountains or water features are popular for their soothing effect. A simple tabletop water
fountain is moderately priced and has an electrical connection that activates the small pump. The
sound of dripping water will attract birds to your area, initiating a need for bird feeders,
hummingbird feeders, birdhouses and birdbaths.
Gardening is a never-ending learning experience, and the winter months are the perfect time to
study and plan. Books covering specific topics such as growing perennials, growing and drying
flowers, landscaping for wildlife or antique roses, make a welcome gifts. The Schultze House
Cottage Gardens & Gift Shop, located in the HemisFair Plaza, has a wide assortment of gardening
books that are specific for this area. The American Horticultural Society has a fabulous book
entitled "A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants." It is beautifully illustrated with more than 6,000
commissioned photographs that accompany profiles of more than 15,000 ornamental plants.
Gardeners love to remember, from year to year, the transformations that have occurred in their
garden. Gardening journals usually include handy garden tips, monthly plant care reminders, grid
sheets for drawing plans, and ample space to record planting notes. Have you considered a
gardening magazine subscription? To get an idea of what is really available, check out the
magazine section of your favorite bookstore. The San Antonio Gardener is published by the
Bexar County Master Gardeners and is a monthly newsletter that provides gardening tips and
articles. A yearly subscription costs $12.00. If you would like to order, please call 467-6575.
Obviously, a gardener is the easiest person in the world to buy for, but just in case you are still
puzzled, here are a few more ideas: indoor terrariums, waterproof decorative windowsill pots
with saucers designed to fit on the windowsill, vases or urns for freshly picked flowers, sun
catchers, a flower press to preserve flowers, colorful rubber garden clogs that keep the feet comfy
and dry, knee pads, a drying rack for the herb enthusiastthe list goes on and on! Last, but
certainly not least, consider a gift certificate from one of San Antonio's fine nurseries. Your
special gardener then has the opportunity to visit a nursery (which is always a passion) and select
his/her own gift of choice.
Hopefully we have enlightened you with enough ideas to make your Christmas shopping easier.
If you are not yet a gardener, perhaps we have wetted your appetite just enough, so that you
might have a budding interest in gardening. Be good to yourselfhow about a six-pack of Texas
bluebonnets to start!
EVENT: Master Gardener Training Class begins February 27 and continues for 15 weeks. If
you can commit to 50 hours of volunteer work supporting Texas Cooperative Extension
educational efforts in community horticulture, please call Annette at 467-6575, to receive an
application form.
This article was contributed by Diane Pfeil, Horticulture Associate, Texas Cooperative Extension-Bexar County and edited by Extension staff. For more information, call (210) 467-6575.