Posted by Kate Frank
The holidays are right around the corner. And if you're reading this, you're probably a gardener, shopping for one, or both.
We're here to help! The staff at Fine Gardening has compiled a wish list, with items ranging from compost tumblers to tree jewelry. We're also hoping you'll add your thoughts in the comments section of this post.
Danielle, associate editor:
• Gardeners Hand Therapy Cream by Crabtree & EvelynYes, $21.00 is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on moisturizer—but this stuff is AMAZING. It doesn't leave that greasy, "I-just-ate-a-box-of-McDonald's-French-fries" feeling on your hands because it gets absorbed miraculously fast. By the time July rolls around my hands look like I've been shucking oysters my entire life and they feel like hell—this is the only stuff that seems to repair the damage.
• A gift certificate to my favorite local nursery. Honestly, what every gardener really wants for the holidays is for it to be spring so they can buy plants. Since that request is impossible unless you live in a warm climate, this gift is the next best thing.
Jessica, marketing manager:
• My ridiculously expansive estate has a large tree that is just begging for an accessory. For the good of myself, the tree, and any lucky passersby, I think tree jewelry would be the perfect gift.
• I can't take credit for this idea as I read about it somewhere, but it is too good not to mention: A husband needed a gift for his wife. Knowing his wife's love of fresh flowers and arranging, he gave his wife 52 small envelopes, each with a short written note and some cash so she could buy fresh flowers every week for a year. What's even nicer is that she's documenting each of the arrangements she creates. Check them out on her Flickr page.
• Not necessarily blessed with a knack for arranging flowers, I prefer preassembled arrangements. I think the "12 Months of Flowers" program from ProFlowers would certainly brighten my days.
Brandi, assistant editor:
• Hate those oh-so-cute garden gnomes you see everywhere? Jazz up your yard, instead, with Gnome-Be-Gone GnomeBearers from Perpetual Kid.
Daryl, assistant editor:
• In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael PollanA review on Barnes & Noble warns, "After reading this book, you may never shop, cook, or eat the same way again."
• A pair of Felco #9 hand pruners for lefties.
Michelle, associate editor:
• I'm a lazy composter. I don't want to turn over my pile. I'd rather be weeding or, better yet, shopping for more plants. I've tried to use bin-type composters, but I've come to the conclusion that a tumbling composter would suit my personality to a T. I'll just give it a crank every time I empty my kitchen compost bucket. I really want this Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler so I can have two batches going at once.
• Tops on my list is a crew of 3 to 4 strong folks who will do all of the spring cleanup, then show up periodically to plant heavy trees and such, and finally come back and rake up the leaves and cut back the garden in fall. All for free, of course...
• A $300 gift certificate to Cottage Garden in Piasa, Illinois. This nursery has the best container plants!
Stephanie, art director
• I have always wanted a spirit house. Whenever I see one, it's too chintzy or way too expensive.
• The other thing I would love to have even more is a few garden gnomes that actually spring to life when the garden needs attending. They'll whip it into shape, plant and water everything, then go back to sleep—with no attention required on my part.
Kate, web editor:
• I would like to have at my disposal a very strong person who is good at taking orders, who can help me remake my beds this spring. Yeah, I thought that was what a spouse was for, too, but my husband doesn't seem to agree.
• Beekeeping has always fascinated me, and this Mason Bee House from Gardener's Supply Company looks like a good way to get started. I'm a little suspicious of bees, though—maybe my husband helper can take care of that, too.
• I don't think I would actually wear this cologne that smells like dirt by Perpetual Kid, but I'm intrigued. The company puts out some other wacky scents, including Vanilla Cake Batter, Crayon, Tootsie Roll, and Sushi.
Suzanne, copy editor
• Outdoor tiered plant stands: