Adam Kirtland picks out some great and original giving ideas for your garden-loving family and friends
Christmas is finally here and it’s about time you got thinking about gift buying! Fortunately, I’m here to bring you three glorious ideas for the green thumbed friends in your life and I can only imagine that you’ve got no idea what to get them? In fact, I might just slip this magazine under the nose of a few of my friends to see if they’ll get me some of these, too.
This is the second year running that I’m bringing you my Birmingham Living gift guide and this time I’ve got some very exciting (and unique) products to share – across a wide range of price tags, too. So, without hesitation – lets jump in!
Advent with a difference
The Rose Press Garden 2023 Flower Seed Advent Calendar is a delightful gift for garden enthusiasts, novices, or a self-indulgence for yourself! This calendar features 24 premium flower seed packets, each revealing a unique flower variety daily. Additionally, you’ll find 24 informative notecards on flower growth, a charming pop-up cardboard greenhouse adorned with festive illustrations, and a secret golden envelope for Christmas Day, what could be better!?
The Rose Press Garden’s commitment to sustainability shines through with recyclable and compostable packaging designed to fit your letterbox. Beyond the calendar, the Rose Press Garden app offers a year-round gardeners’ haven. They share blog posts, how-to guides, and videos guiding you through the growth of these flowers together. Whether you’re nurturing a budding green thumb or simply want to brighten your space, this Flower Seed Advent Calendar is a truly unique gift, and one to be remembered. They are available for a limited time from therosepressgarden.com
Suited and booted
The most recent addition to the ULTRALIGHT collection from Leon Boots, unveiled in the UK in 2021, has gained popularity at more than 650 garden centres. These versatile boots are an ideal companion for gardening, dog walks, tending to horses in the stables, or even a casual visit to the local pub. Weighing a mere 219g per pair, they offer unmatched lightweight comfort.
There’s six attractive colours to pick from, allowing you to match your style or that of your friend or loved one for Christmas. What sets these boots apart is their removable and machine-washable warm liner, ensuring your feet stay cosy in all weathers. Keep in mind that a sizing up is recommended due to the thicker sock, ensuring a perfect fit. What’s more, If you use the code POT20 on lbcboots.com you’ll get 20 per cent off your order.
Handy with houseplants
I can’t claim to be just as good with indoor growing as I am outside, but luckily houseplant expert Jane Perrone is here to help with her new collection of houseplant cards. This delightful set comprises 60 illustrated cards by the talented artist Cody Bond, along with a 32-page book, all neatly packaged in a charming box making it a perfect holiday gift. The cards answer countless questions about plant care, making them a valuable resource for even the most skilled of houseplant fanatics. They cover topics like the best plants for bathrooms, watering schedules and ideal placements for your leafy companions – so you can watch your indoor gardens flourish. Available now from JanePerrone.com
A parting tip…
I’m not one to leave you without something to get you thinking for your garden in 2024. If I had to recommend just one plant to get into your green space right now, then I’d choose a fantastic rose. Now is the optimal time to buy yourself a bare root rose, which is essentially a dormant plant with no compost on it ready to plant out right now. Buying them like this is much cheaper than going for an established plant and it’ll give you literally years of joy ahead!
All that’s left to say is have a very merry festive period and I’ll see you again for more gardening fun in 2024!