Apart from health, happiness and world peace what gift could you actually buy for a gardener that would make their day - maybe even their year!

I'm writing this post in preparation for my birthday (which is mid-year, but I wanted to get in early) just in case my family does read this as they say they do.

So what do gardeners want? Will the $2 swinging frog ornament that you bought at Bunnings really cut it or will it find it's way to the next Trash 'n' Treasure?

If you really want to impress someone with a gardening gift then you need to understand one thing - we're all individuals, just like our gardens. No one present will cut the mustard with everyone just because they claim to be a gardener.

Observing how gardeners like to work their gardens, what they do and even what sorts of things they desire are good prompts for choosing a gardening gift that will excite.

But what can you buy a gardener that they don't already have? Apart from MORE OF THE SAME here's a list of ideas to get your creative juices flowing;

Gardening Gift Options

1. Gardening Books It doesn't always have to be the latest bestseller either - although that's a good place to start. Many gardeners are always keen to find resources that may have been published decades, maybe even centuries ago. Second-hand book stores can harbour a wealth of great gardening literature.


2. Garden Tools Is there a limit to how many pairs of secateurs one gardener can have? I think not. However, secateurs are like the no-brainer gardening gift and show that you haven't really considered the person you're buying for. There are so many good gardening tools available these days that you would be hard-pressed to find one that your gardening friend wouldn't relish.


3. Bulbs and Seeds I quite often get these gardening gifts and I love them. Especially if they're hard to find seeds or expensive bulbs [Note the emphasis on expensive - cheap tacky daffodils I can buy myself]. You need to be careful buying these for a gardener because they may be something that they would rather digest after a hangover than plant in their garden. Being observant is the key.


4. Ornaments Now here's a really tricky gardening gift. Buy the wrong ornament and you may find it on the side of the kerb waiting for the next garbage collection. If there is one area where gardeners shine as individuals it is in the area of ornaments.

   Me, I'd rather you didn't buy me an ornament - unless you're going to spend a small fortune on it and I've already told you that I would bust heaven and hell to get hold of it.

   The sad thing is that most gardening stores push these as a great garden gift but in reality most gardeners could do without them.



5. Gardening Software These days many gardeners are opting to play around with some software that aids in designing and planning their garden. The only consideration when buying your gardening friend this gift is whether they are computer literate and would enjoy using it.


6. Pots and Planters These can also make great gifts but don't assume that the ones Bunnings or Home Depot are pushing are going to be great in your friend's garden. Don't make the mistake of buying the gardener in your life a glazed Malay pot if everything else in their garden is terracotta. Complementary is the key here.

Well...that should get you started. Just remember some basic rules; observe your gardening friend and see what their likes and dislikes are. Just because it's on special doesn't mean it's good. And, when in doubt try some leading questions with your friend to see if they might shed some more light on your gift selection - before you buy it.