The best holiday gifts for gardeners are the ones that keep them focused even during the off-season.
These gardening gifts and themes will plant the seeds of anticipation for greener days to come and provide a little sunshine just when you need it most.
BIRD TRAP WITH INTELLIGENT CAMERA
This device not only feeds your feathered friends, but also identifies and records their visits. Install it externally, then download the free app on your iPhone (iOS 11 or later) or Android (OS 5.0 or later) and connect to a Wi-Fi network. When a bird lands on a solar-powered feeder, AI detects its species and sends alerts, ultra-wide HD images, live streaming video with audio and detailed species information to your smartphone. Includes 8GB memory card. $219.99 at Sharperimage.com.
This bird feeder with camera can be purchased at SharperImage.com. (Jessica Damian via AP)
INTELLIGENT HYDROPONIC PROCESSING
This award-winning system allows you to grow fresh food indoors all year round, without sunlight or soil. The 16-story building is equipped with 86 LED lights and 10 smart sensors that remotely monitor plants and connect with the free Aspara mobile app, which sends alerts when attention is needed. Includes two capsules of edible vegetables, herbs, fruits or flowers; others sold separately. $399 at Grow-Green.com.
Shown is the Aspara Nature Smart Grower with Hydroponic Seed Kit. (Growgreen limited via AP)
MODERN CONNECTIONS GROW AND SHINE
Enjoy a soy blend candle in the winter, then turn your ceramic pot into a planter and grow the enclosed seeds in the spring. Choose between "Herb Garden" (grey pot with basil seeds), "Wildflower Fields" (dark brown pot with chamomile seeds), "Desert Oasis" (light brown pot with aloe seeds) or "Frozen Forest" (white with spruce)). $40 at modernsprout.com.
SWEET MERCY FLOWER DISTRIBUTOR
This cleverly designed oil diffuser looks like a beautiful silk flower in a vase, but it's actually an aroma delivery system in disguise. Fill the vase with the included Sweet Grace oil and insert the "stem" of the ivory seed, then watch the flower gradually open and turn pink. It will perfume your room for about 50 days with a mixture of passion fruit, sparkling tea and patchouli. $35 at Bridgewatercandles.com.
NOBLE BOURBON DASHK
Every time a bell rings, an angel grows wings, but this bourbon brand goes a step further to please gardeners: With every bottle sold, a tree is planted (in partnership with One Tree Planted, ' a non-profit organization). Vermont-based reforestation profit). . To date, the collaboration has led to the creation of more than 1 million new plantings. And the award-winning whiskey with oak sprigs and sherry will be the perfect complement to the eggs. $36.99 per 750ml bottle at select retailers nationwide; Find your nearest location on noloak.com.
For every bottle of Noble Oak bourbon sold, the company plants a tree in partnership with One Tree Planted, a Vermont-based reforestation nonprofit. (Noble Oak via AP)
SCREW STIHL HSA 26 BATTERY
These cordless garden shears make it easy to trim hedges, tend perennial shrubs and cut ornamental grasses. Lightweight design (tool weighs less than 2 pounds), ergonomic design and rubber grips ensure comfortable handling, while the easy-change button allows for tool-free switching between mowing attachments and included brushes. The LED indicator informs you about battery life, which lasts 80 or 120 minutes on a single charge, depending on the accessory used. $179.99 at stihl.com.
The STIHL HSA 26 cordless garden shears are used for trimming bushes. (STIHL Inc. via AP)
SET FOR GROWING ORGANIC MUSHROOMS BACK TO THE ROOT
If you want to grow your own mushrooms, but are not ready for spawn and substrate, you can grow them in a cardboard box right on the kitchen counter. After soaking the substrate brick, open the side panel of the box, spray daily with the included spray bottle, and your crop of organic, non-GMO shiitakes, oyster mushrooms, or mushrooms will be ready in just 10 days. Each harvest yields 3 to 4 servings and each box yields two harvests. From $19.99 to $39.99 at backtotheroots.com.
This organic mushroom grow kit from Back to the Roots produces a full crop. (Back to Basics via AP)
ZOMBRUM
This wire fan is lightweight and easy to use. It sets up in minutes, fully charges (via USB-C) in half an hour, and quickly and quietly removes leaves and debris from sidewalks, patios, decks, cars, RVs and other surfaces. $189 at Zoombrooms.com.
MUTUAL MEMBERSHIP TO THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
Membership in the American Horticultural Society has a great benefit: free access and privileges to more than 350 community gardens and arboretums in 48 US states, Canada, the Cayman Islands and the US Virgin Islands. Your gift will also include a subscription to The American Gardener Magazine, discounts on educational gardening programs and shows, access to members-only online gardening resources, and more. Fees to support AHS educational programs are tax deductible. $35 at tinyurl.com/2feey3wk.
FLOWER DESIGN PROPOSAL
Gardeners, wildflower collectors and budding florists alike will love creating unique arrangements with this seven-piece designer set. Cut out flowers and fillers using the included ergonomic scissors, then decoratively place them in an eco-friendly 4-inch vase using the included moss pins, brown binding wire and one of three included floral foam bricks. $39.99 at Oasis Forage Products.
SOLTECH VITA GROW LIGHT BASIC SET
Houseplant parents will love this grow light because it doesn't look like a grow light. But don't let its sleek design fool you: Vita is dimmable and emits full-spectrum light to accurately mimic natural sunlight. Designed to last 5 years, available with white or black cable; pendant in copper, black or nickel; and with display ($160) or without ($105) at soltech.com.
The Vita Grow indoor grow light emits full-spectrum light that mimics natural sunlight. (Soltech via AP)
HARTLEY BOTANICAL Yard Greenhouse
What do you get for the gardener who has everything? If your budget allows, this sleek, compact design will keep you entertained year-round and for years to come. At a depth of 2 feet 5 inches; 4 feet 2 inches wide; and 4 feet 6½ inches tall; Patio Glasshouse is ideal for starting planting, caring for cuttings and extending the season. A hinged top panel and double sliding doors provide easy access to three floors. Made in Lancashire, England, where the Hartley Botanic Company has been manufacturing greenhouses since 1938, Patio is available in 15 colours. $4,400 at hartley-botanic.com.
The Hartley Botanic patio greenhouse model is shown with the top panel open. (Hartley Botanist via AP)
