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 The trouble with admitting to having such an all-consuming hobby as gardening is that loved ones breathe a huge sigh of relief and only ever buy garden-related gifts for every birthday or Christmas thereafter. Several years later the joy of yet another pair of Titchmarsh gardening gloves, Grow Your Own Sunflower kit, or ‘Mum’s Garden’ novelty wall plaque definitely begins to pall.
One might have progressed in both gardening knowledge and taste, but gift-givers certainly have not. In fact, for many years my husband would triumphantly brandish bookish gifts that had clearly been sourced from one of those sad remaindered book shops – inevitably, Oxfam soon became the lucky recipients of Easy Japanese gardens, Pippa’s Plant Pests and Diseases, and The Feng Shui Way to Rockery Success – all topics in which I have not the slightest interest.
So what should the serious gardener do? There is only one solution and that is to ask for what you’d really like. And here are a few suggestions that are guaranteed to please.
A five-foot willow or hazel tripod is a lovely thing; costing upwards of £20 it can be dropped into any border and used to train a climber up it. In fact, if you’re feeling extravagant, you could also buy the climber – a little late spring-flowering Clematis alpina would look good, its pale blue flowers opening on lime green foliage. If your garden is more formal, go for a metal or solid wood tripod – more money, but you are so worth it!
Books that are a wonderful gardening read as opposed to a simple ‘how-to-do-it’ are always a delight to receive. On my list this year will be Monty Don’s new collection of writings ‘The Ivington Diaries’ about his life and garden in Herefordshire – and whatever you think about Monty, he writes beautifully and sensitively.
A beautiful large terracotta pot is a wonderful thing – I like to see one placed at the end of a path to draw the eye, or left unplanted under a tree to provide a serene focal point in a shady area. Do make sure it’s big enough for impact though.
Or why not ask for a five-foot mature evergreen Pittosporum shrub. At around £60 from Shrubs Direct in Knutsford it’s one of those mini-extravagances that you might not buy for yourself, but if someone else is paying it will add instant pizzazz to any border, as well as give pleasure for years to come. So don’t be reticent and start compiling that gardening goodies wish-list now.
Anne Britt is a garden designer. Contact her at
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