Gardeners tend to be more “green” than most. I don’t mean their color; I mean their attitude about environmental protection, eco-friendly practices and protecting our natural resources.
With the busy holiday shopping season now in full swing I thought I would offer some innovative gift ideas especially geared to today’s earth friendly gardener. If you are indeed that person, I suggest you tear column out, circle a couple of your favorites and leave it in a conspicuous location where your mate just might accidentally notice it.
Rain Barrel. Conserving water is one of the most critical issues and rain barrels really do work. I have two at my house and each holds about 55 gallons. For my money, the best barrel on the market is offered by Aquabarrel (www.aquabarrel.com). Be sure to order the downspout diverter as well. $100 to $200 with shipping and parts.
Blue Planet Composter. Rich, home-made garden compost is at the center of any eco-friendly gardener’s needs. Gardeners never have enough of the brown stuff and more and more people are finding that a compost bin is as essential to their garden as a shovel and a pair of pruners. There are dozens to choose from, but the innovative and efficient design of the Blue Planet Composter would make a memorable gift. Available at selected garden centers. About $350.
Organic Gardening Magazine. First published 62 years ago and still the best source of organic gardening information. Gift subscriptions can be ordered on-line at www.organicgardening.com. A two year subscription, which includes 12 issues, is only $24 and includes a free 2008 organic gardening calendar as well. What a deal.
California Native Plant Society. If your gardening friend enjoys nature and want to learn more about California’s diverse native plants, a gift membership in The California Native Plant Society (www.cnps.org) would be appropriate. They will receive statewide and chapter journals and bulletins about our state’s native flora. If their address is in Orange County they will also be notified of local meetings, native plant sales and other educational activities. $45 well spent.
Plants and Landscapes for Summer Dry Climates. Although written with the San Francisco Bay area in mind, I think this is the best book to date about gardening appropriately in California’s Mediterranean climate. Plant discussions, irrigation strategies, run-off issues and much more information for the progressive California gardener. The photography by Saxon Holt is especially good. Available at Amazon.com and other on-line booksellers. About $35.
Worm Composter. Vermicomposting is more popular than ever. While regular compost bins return outdoor waste back into the garden, worm bins do the same for your kitchen waste. A small, attractive odorless little unit sits quietly in the corner of the patio, garage or garden, while worms turn much of our kitchen waste into the richest garden nutrients your plants will ever know. The Can-O-Worms composter is available at selected garden centers. About $140.
SMART Irrigation Controller. Water is always on gardener’s minds; but especially this year. Conserving water, while still having a colorful, beautiful garden is important to today’s earth-friendly gardener. SMART timers work a bit like the thermostat on your furnace, turning on only when necessary and turning off when unnecessary. SMART timers monitor the weather and know when to water based upon a plants needs, not a brainless timer. They’re the future of irrigation for all of us and would make a great gift for an avid gardener. The best of the bunch is the very popular WeatherTRAK (www.weathertrak.com). About $799 with installation and programming, but it pays for itself in about a year or two.
Ron Vanderhoff is the Nursery Manager at Roger’s Gardens, Corona del Mar
Questions from Readers
November 24, 2007
Question:
I want to plan my Paperwhite Narcissus to bloom on Christmas day. When do I start them?
Lauren
Lido Island
Answer:
Paperwhite’s started today, or during the next three or four days, should bloom right on cue for Christmas day.
