Last Minute Gifts for Gardeners

Yep, one day after the Winter Solstice and we are down to three days before Christmas. Of course I would post about last minute gifts, right? Basically, I could give you a list of all the cool things you could get, and yes, I have done that before. But when it comes right down to it, all gardeners want are the basics to get the job done, am I right?!

Here are a few things that I believe are essential and practical for your gardening adventures year round.

  1. Gloves – if there is one thing I am learning, a good pair of gloves is absolute gold. I have gone through several pairs, including a small pair that cost a dollar “just to get by” during the summer months. Though they were pretty, they did not do the job. A couple of good brands to consider are womenswork and bionic gloves.
  2. Boots – I love a good boot for the garden, and pretty much I love rain/wellie boots for all of my gardening/outdoor adventures. The one I have been impressed with and believe they are worth every penny, are these Xtratuf® boots I purchased last year.  I have done everything from clearing brush to slogging through mud and slush and they are extremely warm, comfortable and all boot.
  3. Shovel – I don’t know about you, but the main tool I take with me every time I have yard work to do is my shovel. It helps me from bending over too much with little things like moving rocks, digging a trench, etc. I really don’t have a shovel in particular, only because people all have different preferences, and though this might seem like an odd gift, it’s a gift that only a gardener would appreciate.

 

Again, there are many things you can get, but these come to the top when it comes to gifts you can get last minute at a brick and mortar store and won’t disappoint. What are your number one gardening gifts?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Gifts for Gardeners – 2016 Edition

It’s hard to believe that Christmas will be here in less than 2 weeks! December always ends up being a stressful month for me, no matter how I try to make it OK. One year ago today, it was 70 degrees out– there were dandelions on the ground!!

Fast forward to today– it’s 33 degrees, and at my house, we are getting our first real blast of Lake Effect snow. What a difference a year makes!

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All perfect timing to do my annual Gifts for Gardeners list! And the funny thing? I never get any of them!!! LOL

Here are some things that I am going to make an effort to acquire– because they are both practical and nice to have!

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Photo Source: muckboots.com.eu

Muck Boots— I LOVE that they are now making a wellie-like winter boot! I love the Royal Horticulture Society version, but unfortunately, you can’t get it in the US. I am sure I could probably order it online straight from Europe.

Photo source: amazon.com

Plant:Exploring the Botanical World –I have heard nothing but good things about this book, and after taking a peek at the preview on Amazon, I can see why. The illustrations are stunning, and the book itself looks in depth and informative. I need to get my hands on this!

 Women's UA StudioLux® Beanie LIMITED TIME: FREE U.S. SHIPPING 2 Colors $34.99

Photo source: underarmour.com

Under Armour Studio Lux Beanie — I LOVE this hat! I own two and want every color! They are comfy and cover up my ears just right! So, when I am out filling up bird feeders or taking pictures of Winter Interest in my garden, this will be the first one I pick up!

 

Photo Source: target.com

Smith and Hawken Terracotta Pots — My garden plan next year includes using more terracotta planters in my garden. I have to start thinking about stocking up!

Joseph Bentley 21 in. Wooden Garden Trug

Photo Source: homedepot.com

Garden Trug — This is the one thing I have wanted to get for some time, but keep pushing it off for something else! This is so simple, practical and beautiful. If we are expanding our veggie garden, I want to be prepared! I might actually buy this for myself and put it under the tree– then I will finally have something under the tree for me LOL!

 

Photo Source: terrain.com

Garden Trowel and Fork Set— Playing off my namesake blog– you NEED a good set of tools to do work in your garden. This is the perfect, quality set! Besides, what would be a Gift for Gardeners list without the necessities!
The 2017 Whole Seed Catalog

Photo Source: rareseeds.com

The Whole Seed Catalog — I just saw this at Barnes and Noble the other day, and got excited, because now that we are expanding our vegetable garden, this will be the perfect periodical to pick out some great new seeds to grow!
I hope this list is helpful– I can guarantee any gardener in your life will be thrilled to get any of these!
Happy holiday shopping!

What I’m Digging– Gear for Spring Gardening

If anybody knows me, they know I love gear. I have all sorts of apparel for every activity, cold weather, warm weather — you get the idea. I try to always be prepared.

Besides the right garden tools and equipment, you must also have what you need to make the most of your garden session.

So, I am showcasing a few of my favorite things that I have had for a while, or I have treated myself to. None the less, they are all used to their fullest potential.

Here’s a glimpse into the gear I will wearing/using as soon as the snow melts!

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1. Water Bottle— It is very important that you have a water bottle with you at all times when you are gardening. It’s hard work, and you must be hydrated just like any other time of the day. I really like this water bottle from Hydroflask because, even when I keep this bottle out in the hot summer sun for hours, I can open it up and drink ice-cold water. The same can be said for warm beverages as well. Something tells me coffee will be going in here for my spring gardening this year with the cold temperatures we are dealing with in the Northeast US!

2. Electrolyte Tablets — You expend a lot of energy when you are pushing, pulling, weeding, digging, etc. I buy Nuun electrolyte hydration tablets that give me the little boost I need through my workouts and gardening. Made for endurance athletes, I can honestly say gardening goes into the endurance category!

3. Utility Knife — How much more can I really say? I have had this Leatherman utility knife for a few years now, and it has helped with everything from fishing to camping. It’s amazing what this little thing can do for your garden as well!

4. Wool baselayers — I love baselayers. This was a birthday present to myself. Wazzie Wool from a small women’s running apparel shop called Oiselle. It’s quality merino wool that did it’s job for me the other day when I didn’t have time to change after my workout at lunch last week. I got super sweaty, but did not end up getting cold like I usually do. This will be my go-to baselayer for early spring digging and raking, that’s for sure!

5. Sunglasses/Sunscreen — Even though it’s early spring, you still need to put your sunscreen on! It’s amazing how sunburned you get in that cold, but bright, spring sun! That goes for your eyes as well– protect your peepers with sunglasses!

6. Rain boots — Need I say more? These are a garden staple, and you must purchase a pair right away if you haven’t done so!

This is just a small list, but I could go on. I have plenty of things I have collected over the years for exercising/outdoor activities that could be used for yard work. Stick to the obvious choices and you won’t have to say you had a bad day in the garden!