Are we Feeling Christmas-y yet?

At this ho-ho jolly time of year I expect everyone is looking forward to getting some good Christmas gardening presents! (Yes? No? Bah Humbug?)

I asked the committee what ideas they have this year, and we came up with the selection below. I hope it gives you some inspiration, or at least is something you can use when asked the dreaded question “What would you like for Christmas this year?”

Books: The Power of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. This was reviewed recently in the RHS magazine and I have seen it recommended elsewhere too. Waterstones says it is “a manifesto aimed at preserving the future of our forests and debunking accepted wisdom about tree-planting schemes”.

Books: What did the Tree See by Charlotte Guillain. I bought this for my grandson, it’s one of those childrens books that covers a huge age range. He is far too young to understand the whole thing at 3, but loves the pictures and storytelling. Much older children will like the historical side of it. And OAP’s like me love it too!

Grow Your Own: Mushroom kits These are very popular, easily set up, just spray with water occasionally, and mushrooms in 2 weeks (so it says on the packet..). Cut the carbon cost by growing your own 🙂 Good present for a non-gardener too!

Wellington Boots and backdoor Clogs: A great present for any gardener and you can never have too many (?). This Telegraph article has reviews of the “best Wellington boots for men, women and kids in winter 2023” but these are definitely on the pricey side. On a similar theme, I like those clogs that you keep by the back door for rainy excursions to the bird feeder or sudden squirrel-chasing etc. I have a pair of the grass camouflage ones.

Gift Memberships: RHS or Woodland Trust come to mind. How about the less well known but very worthwhile, Perennial, the Horticultural charity – become a Friend for £30pa. CABAHS sources some of our speakers from this organisation regularly – people like Neil Miller from Hever Castle – who donate their time and fee to the charity. They have a good Christmas section on their website too.

Natural organic garden items like seed bombs are good stocking fillers, Peace with the Wild have a good selection.

Secateurs: Another tool that you can never have too many of! And always best in a bright red colour so that it’s hard to lose them in the shrubbery etc. There is of course the gold standard, Felco, expensive but incredibly long-lasting. I like Darlac, a good mid-range priced one. And you may remember Simon from Peter Beales Roses who came to give us a talk last year and brought a selection of their small pruners? Terry bought a pair and the Garden Volunteers were admiring them this week, only £15.

Last idea: Handcream. I don’t think you need help with this one. Just to say if it’s a present then probably don’t go for E45 or Nivea! It’s a sad fact but at Christmas something like White Company or Jo Malone will go down much better.

I leave you with:

What is the absolute best Christmas present? A broken drum.

You can’t beat it!

Kathy A