I, as a gardener, always seem to have a hunger in my heart and want-lists of longing in my mind. Usually there are several lists. Nurseries I want to be visited, tools I now realize I can no longer live without. Forming another list are perennial plants I have recently become aware of for my garden. There are always annuals, trees and shrubs of exceptional merit on other pages. Gardening books are always a must-have. A longing to see Longwood Gardens remains in the front of my folder of lists.
Most gardeners I know have a talent for communicating and sharing, be it plants, opinions on gardening, or their lists of future gardening needs and wants. It should not be difficult to satisfy a few gardening friend's hungers crossing a few lines from those lists this holiday season.
Holiday gifts that please me most are the ones showing my friends or partner listens to me, understanding not only me, but also my love of gardening. That love of plants can lead to some gift concepts that seem unusual or strange to one who does not understand gardening or gardeners.
The easy way out in holiday gift giving is the ubiquitous gift certificate from a garden center, nursery or gardening catalog allowing the gardener to choose priorities. It is often difficult to choose plants for a seasoned gardener, especially if you are not familiar with their latest fascination.
Number one on my list of gifts would be a load of manure. I can not imagine a more thoughtful, practical gift that keeps on giving year after year. I find it easy to put aside those visions of sugarplums and imagine great glossy black pyramid waffling strands of steam into the winter chill accompanied by the aroma of animals. Anyone who cares enough to take shovel in hand performing this Herculean task by going to the back and bottom of the pile to dig out only the aged black gold deserves a pedestal. That is understanding and love along with final proof in personal perspiration. Every time I enter the garden for years to come I can not help but see the results of that gift and the person who gave so generously. I will, of course, probably wait until after they have showered before giving my big warm hug of appreciation.
Second on my list is a gift of instant gratification. I am working on a new area in my garden that has been put off until last due to the existing soil. Gardeners in this area are frequently faced with hard clay that is not amiable to the kind of gardening most of us perform. I could spend a few years amending and working the clay until it becomes a good rich garden soil. Needing this part of my garden by next spring, I want a quick fix. The simple answer is a load of super good soil spread about eight inches deep over the poor soil.
There is a notation to obtain three cubic yards of premixed soil. That is a good size load for delivery and handling in the garden. Most companies will carry three or more different mixes ready for pickup or delivery. I want the garden soil plus compost mix ready for planting. In late spring after all is planted and in growth I will want a pick up load of custom hardwood mulch.
I compost all the kitchen refuse in a special can. To enhance and more quickly break down the matter into brown gold worms are great little workers. Everything ends up passing through them to become the richest premium compost. A great stocking stuffer on my gardening want list is a can of wriggling red worms. Not in the stocking, please. A note and card saying they were ordered and will be delivered in spring will be sufficient.
One of the greatest gifts one can give is time. If cash is short this year, take advantage of the situation. Volunteer to be a gardener's chauffeur or give a day of labor in your friend or partner's garden at their direction. As busy as we all are in our daily lives, taking the time out to share one's self is truly the most precious gift I have yet to receive. All gardening gifts do not have to be opened under the tree on Christmas Day to be full enjoyed. Holiday cards containing a note describing the gift placed in a gaily-wrapped box or used as a stocking stuffer on the mantle solve last minute gift buying decisions.