Host John Cretti and garden center owner Nancy Cambell show some special holiday gifts for either the beginning gardener or the experienced enthusiast. Here are some suggestions:
Pruning Equipment
Pocket snips are easy to carry around and make great stocking stuffers; they cost about $7. All-purpose garden shears, on the other hand, can handle everything from topiary to bonsai, and heavy-duty pruners are good for big gardening jobs (these are often available in left-handed and right-handed models). Look for tools with ergonomical handles for comfort, such as by-pass pruners with a swivel-action handle that cuts down on fatigue.
Another idea: Pruning knives, with heavy blades for grafting and pruning fruit trees. For the gardener who has a lot of trees to cut back, consider a pole pruner with a locking ratchet head to reach hard-to-get places.
Indoor Gardening
How about a moisture meter for people who forget to water plants? Or a plant waterer that will actually water your plants for you? Plant scoops also come in handy, and many are designed with a special edge for dividing and cutting plants. Decorative pots make wonderful gifts; take small items like seeds, pellets and shears, put the drainage saucer on top and tie the pot and saucer up with a pretty bow.
Garden Tools and Accessories
A number of tools and accessories are available to simplify gardening tasks and beautify the garden. Watering wands, for example, have large heads that produce a gentle flow of water for plants. Or get your favorite gardener a new stainless steel shovel--with his or her name engraved on the blade!
Garden clogs are popular, comfortable and can be hosed off for quick clean-up after a morning in the garden. Knee pads, gloves and tool totes are always a help, but if you're looking for something a bit more personal and unique, consider a stepping stone kit.
