And before I forget, let me thank all of you for the gift you've given me: your attention. Your time, curiosity, and interest are valuable and I appreciate you beyond measure. | Idea #2 Milk Street Magazine | |
Sure, we all look up recipes online and that can be efficient, but it doesn't allow you to stumble upon a new recipe or cuisine like a printed magazine does. Most of the magazines I subscribe to end up in my recycling bin after a few weeks, but not the Milk Street publication. I keep them in the kitchen, and occasionally grab one to read at the breakfast table.
This publication features recipes from around the globe, and the Milk Street staff has made them easily prepared in the average American kitchen. Check it out here.
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A couple of years ago my husband read an article in the New York Times about how much of the rainforest in Mexico is being destroyed in order to grow more avocados. It seems that we just can't get enough of these tasty and healthy fruits. But we didn't want to be a part of that environmental destruction, so a "no Mexican avocados" policy was set in place for our household.
Since most avocados sold in the supermarkets are from Mexico, this put me in a bind; I will eat a quarter of an avocado for breakfast every day. Avocado Monthly to the rescue. For two years we have subscribed to their delivery of organic avocados grown in California. But beyond being a product of the USA, they ship several varieties that you'll otherwise never have the chance to taste. Take it from this avocado lover, you haven't eaten an avocado until you've tasted a Reed avocado, which is only available in the fall. At Avocado Monthly they have a variety of gift-giving options, from a one-time shipment to a monthly subscription plan. Great service, well packaged, and always ready to ripen two at a time in your cupboard. Look at their website here.
| Idea #5 Houseplant Heaven | If you're on Cape Cod and know someone who loves to green up their interiors, give them a gift certificate to Hyannis Country Garden and watch their eyes light up. This family-owned greenhouse not only has a huge selection of houseplants, but the three women who work in that department are the nicest, most knowledgable people you can find. Those of you who don't live on the Cape can stop by when you come to visit. Find their information here. | Even people who don't like to do a great deal of gardening themselves enjoy seeing other gardens. That's what the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival is all about. Ten days of private gardens, open to the public for a small fee that goes to local nonprofits. You can see a variety of gardens that normally aren't open to the public, and support a worthy nonprofit at the same time. The Hydrangea Festival is always after the fourth of July, and covers two weekends. In 2026 the fest will be from July 10th through the 19th. The list of open gardens won't be posted until June, but you can't go wrong giving someone who wants to see gardens, attend some hydrangea-related events, and eat great seafood a trip to the Cape in July. (Note: my garden is usually open for four days during that time.) Details here. | | |
If you know me, you know I love some awesome, amazing alliteration. But the "Gifts for Gardeners" gab doesn't apply here, because I'm giving you holiday gift suggestions that non-gardeners might appreciate. Basically, this is a list of things that I value, and would recommend to others. The links provided are where you can go to find out more, but I in no way profit from your clicks or purchases.
Note that I order things from Amazon all the time...the local Prime delivery people have been to my house so often they could make the trip blindfolded. Nevertheless, I decided to make this gift list Amazon-free.
| Idea #1 - Spear Head Spade | |
This spade has changed the way I think about planting and transplanting. It has made my digging easier, and since I have an artificial hip on my "shovel leg," that has made a big difference. It makes digging through congested roots less of a chore, and the point of the blade can slide around rocks and into gravel. It comes in three sizes, small, medium and long and I am happy to have all three in my shed.
Some garden centers carry them, and you can order from their website.
| If you were a Plantrama fan, you already know my former co-host, Ellen. If you have no idea what Plantrama is, let me introduce you to one of the smartest plant people I know, Ellen Zachos. This is her latest book and it combines her interest in her Greek heritage, love of plants, and the appreciation of some great, dramatic stories. It's sex, drugs and chlorophyll, and it will have you amazed, laughing, and wanting to share these tales with others. For this reason, get one for yourself along with copies to give as gifts. I always have a copy ready for any occasion when I need a great present. You can order Ellen's book from her publisher. | Idea #6 The Best in Bulbs | I've been blessed to know hundreds of fine plant people since I became a garden communicator, and two of the finest are Brent and Becky Heath. So you shouldn't be surprised that quality people sell quality bulbs. From spring flowering bulbs that are planted in the fall, to summer flowering perennials, this business offers the best. You can see it all online, and you can have a print catalog delivered in the mail for those times when you need a cup of tea and some plant dreaming. A gift certificate for Brent and Becky's is perfect because it gives the recipient that wonderful combination of the tea and dream time, followed by the bulbs themselves. Find the B&B gift here. | Idea #7 A Book For the Kids | |
If you have children or grandchildren, you know that one of life's greatest pleasures is reading aloud to young kids. This sweet book just might become a holiday tradition at your house, and it is a good gift for those who have little ones ages 3 to 10.
One thing that I appreciate about Carol's book is that I can be pretty sure that the family I am buying for doesn't yet have this on their shelves. And, you can order a signed copy from her website.
Know too that Carol's other books are perfect for adults that love plants, gardens and humor. This garden writer produces funny books that have fellow plant geeks nodding their heads in agreement and grinning with recognition.
Find the Christmas Cottontail book here, then go on to explore all of the award-winning books by Carol Michel.
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