Still looking for presents? Gardenopoly is modeled after one of the most famous of all board games, but has different setbacks, including aphid infestations, water bills, and dandelion outbreaks
Plant these gifts beneath your favorite gardeners’ tree
Do you still have a few people to pick up presents for? Hopefully some of them like to dig about in the dirt. Gardeners are amongst the easiest of all people to buy for. If your budget doesn’t allow for a full-scale greenhouse or brand new tiller here are a few less expensive items that will be sure to please.
1) Gift certificate to local florist - A Victorian tradition that’s lapsed and should be resurrected is the enjoyment of a bouquet of fresh flowers in the wintertime. It shouldn’t have to be Valentine’s Day or your birthday.
2) Good quality garden gloves - Pick up the kind that have a rubberized palm. They have superior fit, provide better grip on tools and extra protection against thorny branches.
3) One hour professional massage - a gift certificate for one will be so appreciated after the first spring forays into the garden. If you’re feeling especially generous throw in a manicure.
4) Solar-powered lights or fountain - Check out your local hardware store for these items which I predict will soon replace those old fashioned electrical-powered units.
5) Indoor grow lights - they’ll help satisfy that mid-winter itch that many gardeners suffer from. A very useful gift that provides a headstart on the season.
6) A load of compost or bark mulch - contact your local garden center to request the name of a supplier. A truckload can range in the neighbourhood of $100 to $150.
7) Gardenopoly - Halifax Seed sells this board game for $34.99. Players buy garden favorites, collect clay pots and trade them in for greenhouses. Some of the challenges include aphid infestations, water bills, and dandelion outbreaks.
8) A BIG clay pot - Oftentimes these containers are much too expensive for thrifty-minded gardeners to break down and buy, but they’ll sure appreciate one given as a gift and your thoughtfulness will live on for years to come.
9) Brightly coloured, padded hand tools - especially appropriate for older gardeners, these items are easy-to-find when misplaced in the garden plus they minimize hand fatigue and reduce blisters.
10) Garden Gift basket - Exercise your creativity and choose a sturdy woven basket that can be used for a variety of purposes next spring. Fill it with gardening magazines, fertilizer, misting bottle, knee pads, hat, hand lotion, nail brush, fruit, chocolate and even wine.
