Michael Womack
| News | Sports | Business | Opinions | Columns | Entertainment |
| Science/Technology | Weather | Archives | E-mail Us |

Saturday, December 4, 1999

Consider getting 'Green-thumb' gifts for friends

Garden tools, plants will get high praise from recipients

 

Are you still looking for that perfect gift for your gardening friend? Today we're going to stray away from the traditional gardening path and into the malls and garden centers to help you find the perfect gift for your gardening pals.
   Gardening tools are always a winner. From a hand trowel to a riding lawnmower, there's bound to be a special tool to help make gardening chores a little easier. Hand pruners and hand-held pruning saws are often overlooked but can always be used.
   Also look at the many time- and work-saving electric lawn products, including leaf-blowers, edgers, hedge trimmers and weed trimmers. Some models include features that allow a weed trimmer to become tools, such as cultivators, blowers, mechanized pole saws or brush cutters. These garden transformers are not only useful, but they may also create potential gift opportunities for future birthdays and holidays.
   Garden accessories also offer a wide range of items. Sculptures for the garden or patio will last for years, so the key is to know the interests and tastes of your gardener. Small animals or religious figures can add a personal touch to a garden while a large statue or sculpture can make a statement. Other possibilities include shiny meditation balls, garden cut-out figures and even personalized stepping stones.
   You may also choose a more casual and less expensive accessory such as a wind chime or a wind sock. Ceramic, plastic and terra cotta pottery is also available to match any decor.
   For the birds
   If your gardening enthusiast wants to attract birds to the garden, then a bird house or feeder may be the perfect gift. If a feeder already exists in the garden, give a supply of bird seed. Plants that provide berries such as American beautyberry, yaupon holly and pyracantha also make welcome additions to the garden with the bonus of not having to refill these natural bird feeders.
   Gardening books and magazine subscriptions are always welcome. Although the selections of gardening books are wide, choose a book that is adaptable to the recipient's interests. Take a peek at their gardening bookshelf to get an idea of topics and the books they currently have.
   Gardening calendars are also a year-round reminder of your affection. All of these literary choices are available at bookstores, garden centers and the Botanical Gardens.
   Special interest plants
   Plants are always welcome.
   Seasonal plants like poinsettias, Christmas cactus and Norfolk Island pines are popular gifts. Bulb kits are also popular; they provide everything you need, including pot and soil to take an amaryllis or narcissus from bulb to bloom. Special interest plants are also big hits for those into bromeliads, orchids, cacti, African violets or bonsai. Make sure your selection complements the yard.
   Maybe training is the perfect gift. Make your own coupon and offer to pay for gardening seminars at the Botanical Gardens (call for a list of upcoming events) or maybe Master Gardener Training next fall.
   Another idea that is often overlooked is a membership. There are many local plant societies with special interests in African violets, bromeliads, cacti and succulents, daylilies, native plants, orchids, palms, plumeria and roses. Payment of their annual dues may be a unique gift that they will get to enjoy all year.
   Also, membership in the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens provides year-round benefits. Besides free admission, there are also discounts in the gift shop, for seminars and plant sales, newsletters and more. Furthermore, upgrading someone's membership to a reciprocal membership (beginning at $50) provides membership privileges that include free admission and discounts to over 100 botanical gardens and arboreta throughout Texas and the United States. For more information about purchasing or upgrading a membership call the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens at 852-2100.
   Whatever you decide, a "green-thumb" gift can be used year-round by your gardener and is always greatly appreciated. Plus, you will get added kudos for both your cleverness and thoughtfulness.
  
  

1999 Caller-Times Publishing Company, a Scripps Howard newspaper. All rights reserved.