Gardeners find many ways to convey their interest in gardening. For many, this takes the form of garden-related crafts. When they aren’t out in the garden, they’re busy with craft projects. I highly recommend the following craft patterns and books.

One of the best sources for garden quilt patterns is Sunflower Hill Designs. They have a number of quilt designs depicting sunflowers. The Sunflowers in Season II pattern is by Julie Popa is a quick and easy quilt, Suitable for beginners, this shows a medley of appliquéd sunflowers. The patchwork background is made from simple squares. The borders echo and complement the colors used in the background.

The quilt measures 37½ by 61 inches, making it perfect as a wall hanging or table cover. For bed or lap quilts, just add additional blocks. This pattern has full-size appliqué templates and color illustrated step-by-step instructions from start to finish. There is a cutting chart and a list of the fabrics/supplies you’ll need.

Sunflowers in the Rough pattern is also by Popa. This combines patchwork blocks and borders with appliquéd sunflowers. This includes whimsical and true-to-life sunflower blooms. Foliage is scattered among the blocks. The background uses simple and easy squares of different sizes. Sawtooth borders serve as stems for the corner flowers.

This has illustrated, easy to follow step-by-step directions along with layouts. This shows how to create the appliqués and blocks, and finish the quilt. There are full size appliqué templates and a cutting chart as well as a list of the fabrics you’ll need.

Whatever the season, you’ll find wonderful projects and ideas in “Easy Does It-Nature Crafts” from Landauer Books. This features 60 quick and easy seasonal projects for home décor and gifts. Garden crafts don’t get any better than this. For autumn, there are lovely mini-pumpkin candle holders, and fruit/nut/fall foliage displays.

The projects use a wide range of materials. These include fresh and dried flowers, plants, greenery, fruits, nuts, gourds, foliage, and other garden materials. This title covers many kinds of craft techniques from decorative painting and beading to flower arranging, wreath making, and stamping. There are all manner of floral arrangements and garden projects, including swags, braids, bundles, and wreaths.

The projects are arranged by season. For each one, there is a list of the materials/supplies along with easy to follow color illustrated instructions. The introduction covers all the basic techniques and tools that are needed. Spring, summer, fall, and winter, these projects will bring delight to gardener.

Many of the Thimbleberries quilt books contain garden quilt projects and garden décor ideas. The “New Collection of Classic Quilts” by Lynette Jensen from Landauer Books is no exception. This has 28 delightful projects you can use for both home and garden. The theme for this collection is restful retreats. The projects include both pieced and appliqué items. Most of these projects are suitable for beginners.

For each project, there is a complete list of fabrics and supplies, a cutting chart, and color illustrated, easy to follow instructions from start to finish. The designer also shows how to display the quilts for the best effect. Often, she combines these with floral arrangements, potted plants, or everlasting displays.

While some of the projects are full size bed quilts or comforters, others are table runners, wall quilts, or throw pillows.

Some are of seasonal interest. These include a lovely holly leaf quilt for Christmas and pumpkin projects for fall. The garden motifs include birdhouses and many kinds of flowers and foliage, such as bittersweet vines, daisies, and fall leaves.

Many of the examples show how to decorate outdoor garden rooms, sunrooms, and conservatories with garden-related items. All in all, gardeners are sure to love this book.