Field and Garden: Gift ideas for gardeners and others, too

“You gave this to me one Christmas,” said my mom, pointing toward a terra cotta flower pot wrapped in woven wicker. “Do you remember?” she asked.

More than 40 years have passed, but yes, I still remember seeing the pot on the store shelf, knowing immediately that my mom would like it.

Buying a gift for her has never been difficult. She’s an avid gardener and houseplant enthusiast. So any gift related to those interests is sure to be well received.

As Christmas approaches many of us are in search of gift ideas for family and friends.

Not everyone enjoys plants much as my mom does.

However, I still believe that a visit to a garden supply store or flower shop may answer many of your gift needs this holiday season.

Here are some suggestions:

Amaryllis bulbs: Amaryllis bulbs are a great gift for gardeners and non-gardeners alike.

The plants grow fast, producing spectacular blossoms that will brighten any room during a winter day.

Many stores have gift boxes containing everything that is needed: the amaryllis bulb, a plastic pot and potting mix. The recipient just needs to keep the bulb moist and in bright light.

Garden gloves: All gardeners need gloves. Even good quality gloves will wear out after a year, so a new pair is always welcome.

You may want to snoop around a bit to see what type and size of gloves the gardener wears.

For an extra surprise, tuck inside the gloves a gift card to a garden supply store.

Garden Kneelers: Sore backs and aching knees are common complaints among many gardeners. A garden kneeler can reduce these discomforts, making the gardening experience more enjoyable.

The simplest garden kneelers are foam pads which cushion knees against hard ground. The thickest pads are usually best.

Garden kneeler benches are multi-functional. They can be used either for kneeling or sitting. Hand holds on the sides of kneeler benches can help gardeners maintain their balance as they kneel down and stand up.

Garden tools: Pruners, trowels and hoes are all tools that a gardener needs. But for the gardener who has all of these things, you might consider a hori hori knife.

Useful for both digging and cutting, some gardeners claim this is the only tool they really need. I used a hori hori knife this summer and found it very helpful for getting out stubborn, deep-rooted weeds.

Books: I asked NDSU Extension horticulturalist Esther McGinnis to suggest a book that gardeners might enjoy. She recommended “The Plant Recipe Book” by Baylor Chapman.

The book has step-by-step directions for creating 100 beautiful living arrangements with houseplants, orchids, succulents, cacti and flowering bulbs.

McGinnis commented, “Even if you don’t make one of the arrangements, it is still a beautiful coffee table book.”

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Farmers, ranchers and townspeople are all invited to attend Central Dakota Ag at the Carrington REC on Dec. 16.

The program includes the most recent research-based information related to crop and livestock production.

This year, the program also has sessions related to gardening, food and culture.

Preregistration is not required, and lunch will be served.

For more information, contact me in the Foster County Extension office (652-2581, jeff.gale@ndsu.edu).