Our resident expert Adam Kirtland picks five great books to gift the gardener in your life this Christmas

And just like that, December is here. The lights are twinkling, the days are short, and the garden has all but fallen asleep for winter. While the borders rest and the tools are cleaned away, our thoughts turn indoors to comfort, reflection and, of course, gift giving. If there is a gardener in your life, there is no better present than a book to inspire, teach and brighten the months ahead. Here are my five personal choices for this Christmas. Each is available from good booksellers and Amazon.

What Grows Together by Jamie Butterworth

A beautiful and inspiring guide to planting partnerships that thrive side by side. Jamie Butterworth shows how thoughtful combinations can transform your garden into a space that feels both natural, balanced and harmonious. It is packed with detailed planting plans, creative ideas and practical advice for every setting, whether you are working with a border, a balcony, window boxes or even a few pots on a patio, making it accessible and rewarding for gardeners of all levels.

Compost by Charles Dowding

A masterclass in the magic of composting from the no‑dig pioneer himself. Charles Dowding explains how to turn kitchen scraps, garden waste and other organic matter into nutrient-rich black gold that feeds your soil and your plants. Clear, practical and full of wisdom, it is a must-have for anyone who wants to garden more sustainably, reduce waste, improve soil health and enjoy more productive, thriving plants throughout the year. With step-by-step guidance, tips for avoiding common mistakes and insights drawn from decades of experience, it is both inspiring and entirely achievable for gardeners at every level.

How to Design a Garden by Pollyanna Wilkinson

For those dreaming of a garden makeover, Pollyanna Wilkinson offers expert advice on how to plan and design a space that works beautifully all-year-round. From structure and scale to colour, texture and seasonal interest, her book helps you see your garden through a designer’s eyes, whatever its size, style or location. Filled with practical tips, inspirational examples and clear illustrations, it guides you through creating harmonious layouts, selecting plants that complement one another and making the most of every corner, ensuring your garden is both functional and visually stunning throughout the seasons.

The Flower Thesaurus by Liz Potter

A wonderful resource for anyone who loves flowers, this book explores the meanings, moods and stories behind them. Liz Potter’s writing is poetic and fascinating, making it as enjoyable to browse as it is to study. It is perfect for gardeners, florists or anyone who delights in the language of blooms, offering inspiration for planting schemes, floral arrangements and even creative writing. Filled with practical tips, historical anecdotes and imaginative pairings, it encourages readers to deepen their connection with plants, understand their symbolism, and bring beauty, colour and meaning into every garden or bouquet they create.

Grow Your Groceries by Simon Akeroyd

A practical and inspiring guide to growing your own food, even in the smallest of spaces. Simon Akeroyd covers everything from sowing seeds to harvesting fresh produce for the kitchen table, with clever tips for containers, balconies and small plots. It is full of achievable projects, helpful illustrations and seasonal advice, offering simple ways to save money, reduce waste and reconnect with the rhythms of nature. A wonderful reminder that anyone, anywhere, can grow something delicious and rewarding, making it the perfect book to inspire a more self-sufficient and sustainable start to the new year.

So, there you have it, five thoughtful gifts for the gardener in your life. Whether they dream of designing, composting, planting or simply learning more, these books will bring a little green joy to their Christmas morning. And if you happen to treat yourself too, well, that sounds perfectly reasonable.