7 special gifts for the gardener, according to a master gardener

The holidays might best be characterized by greenery: wreaths, Christmas trees, and halls decked with boughs of holly are the very toys any gardener can enjoy.

But according to master gardener Brian Minter, finding a gift for the plant enthusiast can be a little tricky.

"Gardeners are a little bit different," Minter told host Gloria Macarenko on CBC's BC Almanac. "They're very, very frugal, and a little iconic in terms of how they do things."

"Just going and buying something from a garden store... that's never going to work," he added.

Thankfully, the master gardener has his own master list of masterful holiday gifts, designed for the enjoyment of his fellow master gardeners.

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1. Garden tours

While many gardeners love making their own projects look beautiful, the odds are, they appreciate some of the fine work of their peers.

Minter says garden tours are a great way for gardeners to see and enjoy the unique work of local gardeners. Tours often travel around the city and showcase private gardens.

"There are lots of great garden tours out there. Many companies are getting very good at this. Try buying them tickets either locally, or around the world."

2. A trip to Seattle

According to Minter, one of the best garden shows in the world is in our own backyard.

The Northwest Flower and Garden Show is an annual festival and showcase that celebrates the work of some of the region's most talented gardeners.

"It's absolutely amazing, a short drive, and a nice outing for the weekend. It just raises your spirits."

The event takes place every February at the Washington State Convention Center and features dozens of vibrant show gardens.

3. Seasons passes to local gardens

But Minter says you don't have to travel outside the province to get a taste of some fine gardening.

"We have some great British Columbia gardens. Get them tickets or seasons passes to local gardens that they would really enjoy."

VanDusen Botanical Gardens in Vancouver, or The Butchart Gardens near Victoria are good places to start.

4. A landscape architect

A lot of gardeners have a small backyard, or even a small patio, where they like to practice their hobby. Minter says hiring a professional can help them take it to the next level.

"Getting a garden designer or a landscape architect to design a little of the landscape — it's amazing how they can change the dynamics of that."

If you're willing to spend the extra dollars, these professionals can even help you design an outdoor room or greenhouse.

5. A gardening course

Of course, why not just give the gardener the chance to learn all the tricks of the trade themselves?

Minter says continued education can be a great gift for the gardener. Check out if there are any gardening classes or courses that they might be interested in.

"We have so many great universities and colleges here who have extension courses on gardening for the public — there's some great stuff out there."

6. A garden gift card

Gift cards are an easy way out for many gift givers. But if you aren't too well informed about the particulars of gardening, they can make for an excellent stocking stuffer.

"Gardeners have a hangout. They have a few places they like to shop, so get a gift card for them."

"Cards are just the best thing. They're able to go out and buy whatever they want."

7. A few toys

Of course, what would the holidays be without a few toys? Minter says there's a few items out there that are real crowd pleasers.

He says the English-made Haws Watering Can is extremely practical for home gardening — and widely recommended.

Also, as we enter a winter with extreme temperatures, you can never go wrong with a good thermometer.

Minter says a maximum/minimum thermometer will record the lowest temperature overnight and the highest temperature during the day — essential info for every gardener.

With files from CBC's BC Almanac

To listen to the full the interview, click on the audio labelled: 7 gifts for the great gardener, according to a master gardener