Brighten a gardener's holiday with a gift that reminds him or her of the growing season to come. Whatever the garden — from houseplants to veggies — there's a gift that can make it more enjoyable.
Gardening gifts are blooming for plant lovers
These suggestions for holiday giving are sure to take root with gardeners.
By beth botts
1 Butterfly sipping station: Wildlife gardeners know butterflies need water as well as nectar, and this artful piece, made of stoneware and recycled glass, will offer these charming garden visitors a puddle that's not too deep. Butterfly puddler, $40, Uncommon Goods, Item No. 20351 (uncommongoods.com)
2 Touch of the forest: Give houseplant or orchid enthusiasts a fitting showcase for their beauties with these plant stands with glass shelves and woodsy metal frames. They nestle together to save space. Nesting Branch Plant Stands, $199, Gardener's Supply Co., Item No. 38-702 (gardeners.com)
3 Pop-up raised bed: An instant raised bed is just right for a new vegetable gardener. Spread the fabric bag on an outdoor surface with good drainage, fill it with potting soil and plant away. Smart Pot Big Bag Bed, $39.95 for 50-inch; $24.95 for 36-inch. (bit.ly/1p9oJC2)
4 Glam garden gloves: Purple paisley cotton twill gloves are joyful and practical, too, with a long cuff to protect against thorns, a cinch to keep dirt out and a reinforced synthetic palm. In three sizes for women. Garden Gloves with Arm Saver, $29, Womanswork, Item No. 712 (womanswork.com)
5 Counterattack: Someday it will be August again, and the weeds will be taking over. That's when your gardener will truly appreciate this fierce-looking Dutch tool called a wrotter, with a sharp point to stab next to a weed and barbs to pull it out by its roots. With a handsome ash or cherry handle. Wrotter by Sneeboer, $33.30, Garden Tool Co. (gardentoolcompany.com)
6 Sharpen on the go: Every gardener needs sharp pruners, so any gardener will appreciate this handy little sharpener to tuck in a pocket. Corona quick sharpener, $9.99, A.M. Leonard, Item No. AC83 (amleo.com)
7 Dry toes, no mess: Handles make these low waterproof rubber boots easy to pull on before you go into the garden, and the low height makes them easy to slip off for trips into the house. With insulation and good traction, in dark green, plum purple, chocolate brown, raisin red or black. Seattle Women's Rain Boots, $85, Bogs Footwear, Item No. 71555-202 (bogsfootwear.com)
8 Water bottle spout: This nifty stocking-stuffer is a great way to re-use soda or water bottles. Screw it on and you're ready to start watering the garden — even if the garden is a houseplant in an office cubicle. Eco Watering Spout, $7.95 or three for $18, Womanswork, Item No. 53. (womanswork.com)