Evening star., 1951-12-09

Christmas should hold as much
Tor the garden and the gardener
as it does for any other hobby.
There is no excuse for saying,
II can't think of a single thing to-
give him." if he is a gardener.
Gifts for the garden and the
gardener may be as small or large
as the occasion warrants. And
let's not forget the useful gifts
which make gardening chores
easier. Plants and shrubs i'm
prove with age, and the annual
floral display reminds the gar
dener Of the giver. The indoor
gardener can be remembered with
wide variety of practical gifts
that add much to the pleasures of
window gardening.
Why not break the monotony
OF another tie or a pair of socks
when the gardener really wants
that new all-American rose selec-
ton. OF course, 1t can't be placed
under the tree, but a gift Ger
tiflcate from nursery can be
tucked into his sock-the rose
bush will be delivered at planting
time, reminding the receiver of
the giver, and each succeeding
seasons bloom will tell him of
some ones Yuletide thoughtful
ness.
Plants and bulbs of new and in
teresting varieties give added in
terest and pleasure to the garden,
thus make ideal gifts that may bel
enjoyed by the family.
New varieties of glads and
dahlias may be placed under the
tree. but shrubs and plants are
best ordered for spring delivery
Iris, daylilies. peonies, poppies,
ETC., should not be delivered until
later. and perhaps, should be re-
served for birthday or anniversary
gifts.
There Are Gadgets Galore.
But there are useful tools and
gadgets galore to include in
Santa's pack. Lightweight, durable
tool sets; heavy-duty. high-grade
steel tools such as trowels and
weeders; the new plastic light
weight hose; durable string on
. reel with stakes for marking
rows. soil-testing kits; garden
gloves, pruning shears. flower cut
terS: kneeling pads. ETC., are only
q few 'of the host of items to
choose from. There are gazing
globess lsundia1s, rustic seats and
portable grills for garden parties,
all excellent gifts for the out-of-
doors gardener. |
Many; home gardeners desire
books lAnd periodicals on garden
ing. and those available are many
and varied. The rose specialist
mightabe interested in a book on
"Old Rpses," or the latest dealing
with rose culture. Better still, al
years membership in the Ameri-
can Rose Society will give him a
monthly magazine and the year.
book. bSmilarly, the iris fan, the
glad bobbyist, the peony fancier,
and rNpst others whose interests
are mainly with a single plant
groups will enjoy membership in
the soeety or organization featur-
ing tAat flower. The neophyte,
howe4e& will probably gain more
from f membership in a local
sarde flub.
For he gardener with general
Interests good reference book
may be most appropriate. There
are number Of gardening maga-
zines, some are rather promotional
in character, others are devoted
to the cultural side. The selec-
tion should be based on the gar
dener's interests.
We must not xorget the window
gardener-the plats. bulbs, gadgets
and books-which may add to
the pleasure of the season. Potted
plants, vines and bulbs extend
the season Of bloom. Tools, pot
holders, watering pots. brackets
and other gadgets make garden
ing indoors easier. New books on