Here are some gift ideas that would appeal to gardeners.

As we’re doing our Christmas shopping, we often find a need to add some names to our holiday gift list. I also like to keep some hostess gifts around for those holiday parties. And there’s always a need for stocking stuffers. Here are a few ideas that should appeal to gardeners as well as others.

“Bungalow Basics-Porches” by Paul Duchscherer with photos by Douglas Keister was published by Pomegranate. Duchscherer is involved in historic preservation, and runs an interior design business specializing in period projects like bungalows. This title provides an in-depth, engrossing background on the origins of bungalow porches, and their use as transitional outdoor living spaces. In addition to stunning photos of the porches, it features historical illustrations from magazines and postcards.

Moleiro has released various art books that will be of interest to gardeners. Among these is a splendid book of hours known as “The Hours of Joanna I of Castile.” With a sturdy brown leather cover beautifully embossed with gold, this remarkable facsimile has full-page illustrations that do justice to the illuminated miniatures. The original art by the leading Flemish artist of the 16th century depict biblical scenes along with plants and flowers. The original manuscript dates from around 1500, and was apparently created for a member of the Spanish monarchy, likely Joanna of Castile, who was known as Joanna the Mad.




Gardening software is the ideal holiday gift. “Garden Tracker-Cultivate Your Garden Data” is an all-in-one daily garden journal and plant labeling software. This powerful program was created by Dynamic Software. It features 70 templates for recording your garden information with categories ranging from a garden wish list and dates of bloom to seed starting and seed collection. In addition, it provides links between digital photos and garden records. It enables users to create seed packages, and print plant labels and markers. Sturdy metal plant marker holders are also available for Garden Tracker. This software comes in three versions. For the holidays, I recommend
the gift version.

For quilters, there is any number of suitable gifts. Quilting and craft stores will have a wide selection of quilt patterns. Fiber Mosaics has various patterns with garden-related themes. One of my favorites is “Garden Charm,” which was designed by Leslie Beck. This quilt project features flowers and a whimsical birdhouse. It provides fully illustrated, complete step by step instructions and pattern pieces for four different projects, including a garden pillow, a birdhouse banner, a garden wall hanging, and a tea cup bird feeder.