Adding to people’s enjoyment of gardening is the best gift of all

Article content

Gardening has evolved to become an expression of our connection to nature and of our individual creativity. We don’t keep Canadian statistics on the number of new gardeners, but in the U.S., since COVID-19 began, there are about 18.3 million new gardeners, and most of them are younger millennials, both female and male. Research indicates that well over 80 per cent of these folks will continue gardening after the pandemic.

Article content

When considering Christmas gifts this year, anything unique and connected to gardening just might be appreciated far more than we realize. On the upper end of gardening gifts, a professional landscape design for a new patio or deck area would result in something to enjoy spring, summer and fall, and a new outdoor room would be a special place in any home.

As the interest in growing our own food continues to be very popular, a greenhouse would be a beneficial addition to any property. If space and building permits allow, it could possibly be attached to an existing home. It’s important that a greenhouse is weather tolerant, is able to be minimally heated during cold weather, has proper venting for air circulation and can be shaded during our increasingly hot summer weather. It should also add value to a property. If a greenhouse isn’t in the cards, attractive cold frames offer the opportunity for a longer food production season.

Article content

Garden art is a big part of today’s landscapes. Arches, pillars and obelisks add sophistication to a garden, and they provide a location and structure for novelty plants. Outdoor cement and stone sculptures, fountains and bird baths will enhance the charm of any garden. Large specialty containers, gargoyles and well-toned windchimes make great décor pieces.

Our wonderful B.C. public gardens have experienced a couple of challenging years, and anything we can do to support them is important. Purchasing tickets or season passes as gifts is a great idea and something folks can truly appreciate all year.

There is still a huge appetite for new tropical plants. Although winter isn’t the best time of year for indoor plants, the quest for the newest rages on. Some of the most sought-after plants are whale fin sansevierias, polka-dot begonias, Pink Panther tradescantias, String of Hearts hoya, the many unique varieties of Rhipsalis burchellii and Mistletoe cactus. Mangaves will be in high demand next spring, as well as the outdoor Dutch Windmill palm and the hardy banana, Musa basjoo.

Article content

After so many folks lost trees to the record heat last June, some cool new additions to their landscapes would be a great idea. In milder parts of the province, winter-flowering plants will add a touch of magic, especially this year. From sasanqua camellias and Prunus autumnalis (winter-flowering cherry trees) to viburnum Pink Dawn and fragrant Lonicera fragrantissima (winter-blooming honeysuckle), there are many plants that will brighten up winter and are wildlife-friendly as well.

Unique trees, like Davidia involucrata (dove or handkerchief tree), Japanese stewartias, unique Japanese maples, such as the golden stemmed Acer palmatum Bihou and Acer palmatum shishigashira (lion’s mane maple), Albizia julibrissin (silk tree) or the new pink dogwoods, Cornus kousa Scarlet Fire and C.k. Rosy Teacups, would all be treasured gifts.

Article content

Hard-to-find perennials are a boon to any garden. The new varieties of helleborus, like the Frost Kiss series, with its gorgeous foliage and blooms, and Ice N’ Roses from the Heuger family, in both white and burgundy red, are fabulous garden plants.

Today, many folks want the ease and convenience of growing vegetables on their patios, and now, several brands of planters, that are raised up on legs, are readily available. Up high and dry, it’s an easier way to garden, and the veggies do far better. It’s an especially great idea for elderly people and for those with mobility issues.

Although garden benches are more readily available in spring, they offer the opportunity for folks to sit outdoors and enjoy their gardens. A comfortable, quality bench makes a much-appreciated gift.

Article content

Many great gardening books have been published, and some titles that stand out for local gardeners are Lone Pine’s Plants of Coastal British Columbia, Edible & Medicinal Plants of Canada, and Mushrooms of Western Canada.

Subscriptions to garden magazines are also welcome gifts. Having a magazine arrive, filled with fresh ideas, new plant discoveries and much food for thought, is always a treat. One of the world’s best is The Garden, a magazine published by the Royal Horticultural Society, which you can register for online.

A gift card for a favourite garden hangout is one of the very best gift ideas. It gives people carte blanche to pick and choose or to splurge on their favourite plants and garden accessories.

For folks who used to garden but are no longer able to because of age or disability, hiring a garden service to set up colour or plant vegetables for each season is a wonderfully thoughtful gift.

Gardening has become very important to many folks, both for the health benefits and for the closer connection to nature that it offers. Adding to people’s enjoyment of this far-reaching experience is the best gift of all.