Garden Talk - Giving the gift of gardening

Many of the year?s most obvious gift-giving occasions, such as Christmas, don?t fall at the times of year we associate with gardening. However, with a little thought, it is possible to create some budget-friendly gardening gifts for the children on your gift list.

First, consider the basics of the child?s home environment. Is there a bedroom or playroom window that gets plenty of light? Are window sills available?

Armed with this information, consider selecting an appropriate house plant and, if necessary, a small tray table or other plant stand. Prepare careful instructions for plant care, taking into consideration the child?s age and reading level.

Then, ponder what else might make this a meaningful and memorable gift. One possibility is gardening tools scaled to a child?s hands and indoor use. For example, a little watering can with a narrow spout and small sprinkler head will equip the young gardener to provide water as often as you suggest in your directions. Another supporting gift could be a magnifying glass that will allow a child to examine a healthy plant closely and, in the event of trouble, look for the source of the problem.

If you are comfortable with writing, don?t stop with the directions. Instead, consider writing a ?just-for-you? account of your memories of childhood gardening or of favorite gardening experiences. This could prompt gardening conversation that goes beyond the merely utilitarian. If you are more reader than writer, browse the shelves of a good bookstore for an age-appropriate book that pertains to gardening.

No matter how simple or elaborate the total package is, the gift of a plant to care for entrusts the child with a responsibility. Learning how to care for a living thing is an important life lesson, whether the care goes smoothly or hits some rough spots. And one little garden gift early in life could lead to a lifetime of delight in gardening.