Daniel asks…
What kinds of gifts are good for inlaws?
I’m not fond of mine, but I need good ideas for this holiday season coming up. I don’t have a lot of money so I usually start now and buy a gift each paycheck so by xmas everyone has something nice. I really am lost this year because we are just cordual with one another and they are not close. I have to do all the shopping since my lazy, careless husband wouldn’t even think to give them a card. I wish so much I didn’t care.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Do they have any hobbies – travel or gardening, etc. You could get them a book that relates to their hobbies – they can both read and enjoy it. When all else fails, there’s the good old magic gift certificate. Get one for a nice restaurant so they can have a night out. If you have live theatre near you, you could get them tickets for a show, or tickets for a concert that’s coming after the New Year. Even though you don’t have much of a relationship with them, the gift is also from their son so it still should be nice and something relevant to their lives.
Michael asks…
What flowers belong in a country garden?
My husband and I moved into a house that has the ground work for a beautiful garden. It is split into two sections by a small white fence with a white trellis in the center and a pond in the corner. The house sat empty for two years so the garden is completely over grown. Im about to start the massive cleaning process but what kind of garden should I do? It has a fair mix of shaded and non shaded areas. I love Lillie’s so I want plenty of them maybe some irises. Any ideas?
GardenersCardiff answers:
I would research first with your local agri-life extension agent/Master Gardener program. They are also on line. They’ll suggest inexpensive soil tests and based on those can advise you on soil preparation and native plants which are suited to the different areas of your garden. Full sun, shadier, wetter, dryer sections wil each have plants that will do the best there. Natural gardening will look the most countrified. Mixing in fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables will really make it practical, a mini farm of color and taste. Climbing roses can be trained along the fence and trellis, or wisteria; grapes would be fun. You’ll want plants that come in and out of bloom at different times of the year, staggering heights and layering, to keep the garden full bodied all year long. The lillies and irises will fit in beautifully especially water lillies in the pond bordered by native grasses. Petunias, phlox, marigolds are soo typical country. Passion vine, honeysuckle will draw in the butterflies. Preparation and a basic visual plan are key. Wish I had started a journal when I began and clipped in all the tags from my plantings. Spacing properly is very important as plants grow and you alway happen upon some new find that you just have to fit in somewhere. Successful happy gardening evolves, is not an instant satisfaction thing. Local gardening clubs can be fun, usually there is food brought in decorated with edible flowers, plant exchange gifting. Weeding for me is a daily stress reliever. Have fun!
Maria asks…
Secret Santa: gardening gift ideas?
We are having a Secret Santa in our office and the name that I picked is for a woman who I don’t know much about. All I know is that she has a nice garden near her home. Last year, I picked her name and I bought her a plant. She loved it! I don’t want to get her the same gift this year. It’s too difficult to transport from home during the morning rush hour. Any suggestions? The maximum is $20. Thanks!
I decided to get her a 2-year subscription to “Better Homes and Gardens” magazine. Thanks for your suggestions.
GardenersCardiff answers:
I am an avid gardener and can give you some ideas. You could give her packets of seeds or perhaps a bag of bulbs or maybe a gift certificate to Brecks or Spring Hill bulb company. She may like a new gardening tool or a pair of gardening gloves. Maybe a nice flower pot or a little set of pots that can fit on a window sill. A book on gardening (one for her area) is a great idea as well. A gift certificate to a local nursery is a fine gift that will be well received, too.
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