Gardening Gifts for Father's Day
Plant Some Garden Ideas to Celebrate Dad's Day in June
May 19, 2008
Vegetable Gardening
Vegetable gardens have been planted by the time Father’s Day has arrived. But maintaining a vegetable garden by weeding, watering, fertilizing and picking goes on throughout the season. Give the gift of time by spending Father’s Day with Dad in the garden. It is not pretty but many gardeners find these chores relaxing and offer good opportunities to reconnect.
If the gardening Dad has had a vegetable garden for many years, perhaps new edging would be a welcome gift. For do-it-yourselfers, the gift of heavy labor installing the edging would be appreciated. Or, hire experienced landscapers and throw a barbecue after the work is completed.
Bonsai Gardening
If Dad has a small garden space introduce Dad to bonsai gardening. It is a very artistic, detail-oriented garden hobby. Visit the local bookseller or public library and find books about bonsai gardening. Then locate a garden center selling dwarf conifers used in bonsai gardening and spend the day searching for the right plant. Remember to purchase tools, containers, soil and other accessories for bonsai gardening.
Some gardeners mix the interest in bonsai gardening with railroading. The techniques and skills used to bonsai garden are useful when creating a landscape for a railroad hobby.
Compost Bin Building
Gardeners call compost black gold. Compost is valuable because it is made from natural materials normally thrown out but, instead, turned back into the garden to improve the soil. If the gardening Dad does not have one, consider building a frame or bin for storing compost.
University extension services offer free, accurate information on how to build a compost bin and how to develop compost. Many university extensions have detailed information sheets available on their web sites. There are also many books available with detailed descriptions explaining compost bins.
Rose Gardening
Rose gardening is not for the faint hearted. Gardeners know that only healthy rose plants will produce beautiful flowers. The knowledge and heavy labor required building, planting and maintaining a rose garden is worth the effort. The rose-gardening Dad may have a secret plant list of sought-after roses; choose a rose from the list and surprise Dad on Father’s Day. If Dad has a special garden center where roses are purchased, plan to spend the day shopping, hauling and planting a rose. Make sure a spot in the garden has been chosen in advance. If a day of working in the rose garden is planned for Father’s Day, remember to bring gloves.
In the 21st century, gardening is not a gender specific hobby. Today, whether it is a mantis garden tiller or an herb garden for someone who loves to cook, gardening gifts are life affirming gift ideas for everyone.
