Gardener Gifts

Yes, most gardeners covet the latest in groovy hand tools like bulb planters, ergonomic pruners, and trowels. Even an efficient worm compost bin or self-watering pot system will warm the cockles of the dedicated grower’s heart. What might be overlooked in the quest for appropriate (and welcome!) gifts for the gardener might just be comfortable and functional clothing and accessories to make a happy gardening experience. And some are pretty stylish, as well.

For wet-weather gardening, there are rubber boots of varying heights. They no longer come in basic black or classic olive drab. Paisley, spots, plaid — all these are appearing on modern gear. There are all-plastic clogs in every bright color of the rainbow. The best have washable foam or cork insoles that keep feet dry and comfortable while in the garden and make cleanup a snap. Their slip-on style makes them easy to park by the back door so the mud and debris stays outside.

Gardening garb often turns out to be the old clothes that aren’t fit to wear in public, like that T-shirt with the less-than-polite image or politically incorrect slogan and the totally frayed, but most comfortable, jeans. Comfort is the key, and that means warm when it is cold and cool when it isn’t, as well as the ability to assume all those contorted poses necessary to dig holes, plant a row of seeds, or pull stubborn weeds. For consideration, there are also clothes made of modern fabrics designed to block out harmful UV rays from the sun and ones that repel dirt and water.