Holiday Gift Guide 2023
Throughout the year, I have no shortage of ideas on gifts for my loved ones. Once the calendar flips to December and the stakes escalate, though, I tend to draw a blank. As a result, I’m an avid scanner of gift guides. Is this you? If so, and especially if you have an actual or aspiring native gardener on your gift list this year, I’ve compiled a few Bees’ Knees-y ideas for you below.
1. Gift Certificate to a Local Native Plant Nursery
What better gift than the anticipation of selecting wondrous new plants to enhance your garden while feeding and sheltering our wild neighbors? Your mainstream garden center may claim to sell native plants, but for expertise, integrity and reliability, you’ll fare far better with businesses that specialize in indigenous species. To find one near your loved one, check out the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center Suppliers Directory or the Homegrown National Park Native Plant Resource Directory. For my neighbors here in the DMV, the wonderful Wildflower Native Plant Nursery sells gift cards right on their website.
2. Prairie Up: An Introduction to Natural Garden Design by Benjamin Vogt
Although author and landscape designer Benjamin Vogt is based in Nebraska, the principles and strategies he espouses have far broader application. This book on landscaping with natives is chock full of practical guidance, plant lists, sample designs, instructions and how-tos. A perfect choice for someone who’s ready to geek out on native plants. Perhaps a good companion for #1, above? You can find Prairie Up at an independent book store near you.
3. Donation to a Land Trust
Volunteer land trusts around the country are buying up property to protect it from development and preserve it in its natural state. These efforts are critical to restoring biodiversity and mitigating climate change. The groups behind them need all the help they can get. Find a directory of organizations by location at the Land Trust Alliance and make a donation in your loved one’s name. Then plan an excursion to bask together in the land trust's wilderness.
4. Better Living through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World by Christian Cooper
Christian Cooper, a self-described “gay Black nerd with binoculars,” inadvertently became famous when a White woman threatened to call the police on him, apparently for being Black while birdwatching in Central Park. I haven’t read his memoir, but it’s high on my list. His story sounds fascinating. Plus, as Cooper readily acknowledges, anyone who cares about birds needs to care about native plants, too. Our feathered friends depend on the biodiversity supported by functioning native ecosystems. You can find Better Living through Birding at an independent book store near you.
5. Nutscene Twine
Ok, it’s niche. But it comes in all sorts of luscious colors (as in, cornflower, deep orchid, saffron, and peapod, to name a few) and, if you’re lucky, housed in a cute and practical can. It’s made in Scotland from environmentally-friendly jute. Your loved one can use it to stake their flopping perennials, train their vines, or wrap future gifts for you. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t seem to ship outside the U.K. But with a little searching you can find some of their products stateside. Try, for example, Amazon, Etsy or Terrain.
6. Flower Pressing Kit
Give your sweetie all the tools they need to preserve some of their favorite native blossoms and leaves. This 500 year-old tradition is a form of storytelling, according to Margaret Roach in the New York Times. You can find kits and supplies here, on Etsy or at many local garden, craft and book shops.
6. Gift Certificate for a Bees’ Knees Design Landscape Consultation
Give your loved one the gift of solutions to specific goals or challenges in their garden. If your recipient lives in Bethesda MD, Washington DC or Arlington VA, choose an in-person package. I’ll meet in person with the lucky giftee to tour their garden, compile a tailored package of recommendations and resources, then return to review the suggestions with them on site. If the recipient lives further afield, opt for the virtual package. Either way, your gift will provide your gardener with the tools they need to give their garden a native glow-up! Learn more here.
With thanks to my son for reminding me that no one evokes the holidays better than Vince Guaraldi:
If you live in the DC vicinity and could use assistance with sustainable landscaping, visit Bees’ Knees Design. I’d be happy to help you.
Just finished "Prairie up".10 outta 10! Benjamin Vogt is a local hero here in Nebraska. Also Vince Guaraldi is on repeat every year at Christmas, along Manheim Steamroller.
Great ideas!