Well, it is almost that time again….Christmas…..which either fills you with delight or causes your stress levels to go right off the scale! I have to say I love Christmas and as far as I am concerned you can never have too many decorations inside and out, but this year as I am in panto I will not be putting any up……Shame, never mind I am sure I can glitz up the dressing room.
As for Christmas shopping well…..it might be vouchers for all. I know it is not very inspiring but time wise it will be easier and I can never think of what to get people. Although, when it comes to other gardeners (or me!) I have no problem, ideas just come rolling in from the practical through to the more deluxe. Aluminium plant labels (great as they last a very long time, they are reusable and the writing stays on), thermal mugs (drink stays hot/cold and no bugs or soil goes in), secateurs (small for ladies through to giant for the gents, ones with a ratchet that are great if you have arthritis or a weak grip), a wind up radio, automatic vent opener for the greenhouse (no more back and forward opening and closing the windows the moment the weather changes).
On the deluxe side a year’s membership to the RHS, National Trust or even a Gardening Cruise! How about a specimen plant that has the person’s name (check out the plant finders guide it lists the name and where you can buy it from), stainless steel fork and spade with wooden handle (lovely to use and easy to clean). A beautiful glass planted terrarium (pretty and easy to look after), a hardwood garden bench (so you do make time to actually relax and enjoy your garden).
So, there is no excuses for boring Christmas presents this year! And as for the needles on the Christmas tree….yes you can re-cut them, water them with flat lemonade and don’t use blue LEDs but basically if you have got the heating on and you leave your tree up till the 12th night the needles will have dropped off! Personally I put down a colourful bit of material, not high-tech, but it does stop the needles getting into the carpet and it is not too difficult to hoover them up.
One last thing, a request from “fairy organic” if you do go to panto please, please join in!
Here’s to successful Christmas shopping!