For locations with plenty of light, poinsettias, chrysanthemums, or other flowering plants are ideal gift choices. Many of these plants require warmer room temperatures to thrive. A few exceptions are cyclamens and azaleas, which like bright light and cooler temperatures. Choose foliage plants for low-light locations. For apartment dwellers and others with limited space, a hanging plant may be a more welcome choice than a large potted plant.
Terrariums make an excellent gift for people with small children or pets.
Gardening books and magazines, tools, and landscape ornaments also make great gifts for friends and family members at Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Or give the 2000 North Country Gardening Calendar, which provides 12 months of daily gardening tips and illustrated monthly gardening activities. To order, send your check, payable to UVM Extension, to Calendars, Plant and Soil Science Department, Hills Building, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt. 05405. December is also a good time to write to seed companies to get on the mailing list for year 2000 catalogs. Having several different catalogs allows you to compare not only varieties, but prices, too.