Less than ten days before Christmas and you have procrastinated in getting the gardeners on your list any gifts from online stores. Not much chance now to have things shipped unless you pay extra. We all know how outrageous shipping costs are on a regular basis so express shipping has to be even worse. Take heart…you still have time to shop locally and find just the right gift.
My father-in-law gave me a small-bladed shovel about 25 years ago and I still use it on a daily basis when I am in the garden. Dad always called it my “lady’s shovel” which I always felt was a little bit sexist. Dad used the term innocently and would never have meant to hurt my feelings…he considered me a lady, after all. I have since learned it is really called a flower shovel. I like it because it makes it easier to dig in the flower beds to remove or plant perennials without disturbing surrounding areas. It has a long, sturdy handle which gives good leverage. My handle is also tapered to allow for smaller hands to easily grip it. So maybe it really was designed for “ladies.” I have seen similar shovels in Tillamook hardware and feed stores. When shopping, I would give it a good heft in the store to find one that is nicely balanced, keeping in mind the height and weight of the gift recipient.
Other good places to shop are local nurseries. Some have lovely stepping stones or garden art that would fit nicely in any garden. If you are giving stepping stones, try finding three that are coordinated but not matching. Art should coordinate with the specific garden. By that I mean if you are shopping for something for a formal garden, pink flamingos probably aren’t the best gift. But they would be perfect for someone with a sense of whimsy.
A basket of assorted gloves would also be a great gift. Most gardeners who wear gloves go through several pair in a season. I like the ones that have rubberized palms and reinforced fingers and fingertips for general gardening. I also use the heavier knitted ones – and so, warmer - in the fall, winter and early spring. Personally, I don’t use the cotton gloves as I don’t find them to be tough enough for all the gardening I do, but that preference will depend on your gardener. If your gardener enjoys growing roses, be sure to add a pair of long-sleeved leather gloves that will protect arms from thorns. Most gloves can be found in small, medium or large sizes, so try to figure that out before you go shopping.
The florist shops in the county are good places to shop for gardeners too. Of course, they have floral arrangements or can design a custom arrangement. But many also have lovely gifts and collectibles. And, naturally, florists are a good place to find a wide assortment of vases for all those cut flowers your gardener grows, too.
If you can’t quite decide on the perfect present, consider a gift certificate to any of the shops in Tillamook County, be they nurseries, florists or hardware stores. Try to find stores where you know your gardener will want to shop, both geographically and inventory-wise. No sense in getting something from a shop in North County if your gardener lives in South County.
Another important part of gift certificate shopping is the amount you choose to give. It is very discouraging to receive a certificate that covers only a fraction of the cost of an item. So, err on the side of generosity. Ask the policy of keeping balances on the certificate. Some stores will keep a running balance while others will refund the difference between the item and the certificate. Either is fine with most people, but it is nice to know in advance what the policy will be so you can explain to your gift recipient.
As with any gift you give, go with your instinct and choose it with your heart and you can’t go wrong.
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