By T.K. Wismer, Blue Oak
Photographs courtesy of Blue Oak
The holidays bring about gatherings both impromptu and planned, and it seems like we are always rushed to find a hostess gift or to have things on hand for friends and family that stop by. Not to mention the various gift exchanges, office parties and school functions that all seem to require a gift upon entry. So this year why not streamline all this gifting a bit with one universally appealing theme - the gift of greenery.
There is an ever-increasing demand for giftable flowers and plants and retailers are answering. From fashionable planters to monthly plant subscriptions, we found some really great gift ideas to bring a fresh dose of nature to friends and family this holiday season. Whether they be green thumb plant whisperers (I'm talking to you, mom) or inattentive plant killers (you know who you are), there is something for everyone in this green gifting guide.
Planters
From minimalist ceramic shapes to more decadent, inspired materials like brass and pewter, the options are limitless when it comes to choosing a planter for your gift of greenery. Match the planter to the personality of the person you're gifting by choosing their favorite color or something that reflects their home decor or sense of humor. You don't have to feel limited to traditional planters either: a nice reusable coffee mug or a pretty watering can make great reusable vessels. For a trendy option, turn to hanging planters and nostalgic looks like the recent resurgence in crafty macramé.
Plant Subscriptions
For the gift that keeps giving, a new slew of plant delivery services are popping up to ship a new houseplant, often with a planter, each month. Hey Horti has a great selection of subscriptions and gifts. Plants are carefully curated according to whether they're suitable for dark spaces, or how easy they are to keep alive. They will even customize your order for options that are pet friendly. The Sill is another great resource for plant subscriptions, DIYs, and info for plant care and maintenance.
Terrariums
Terrariums are great low maintenance options and are fun to make, too. You can fill them with almost anything and they are suitable for air plants, making them the perfect gift for that friend or loved one who has had a run of bad luck in the greenery department. For a terrarium DIY refer to our previous post here.
Garden Boxes
Seed boxes and garden packets cater to both novice and seasoned gardeners. The gifts are tailored to interests like cooking and cocktail mixing and come with all the accessories needed for successful growing. Sprouts take off within a week or so and you can eventually transfer plants. This set is great for adding a fresh herbal kick to cocktails or teas.
Garden Inspired Gifts for Kids
Even budding garden enthusiasts will love the gift of garden cheer. Toy manufacturers like Melissa and Doug offer garden inspired tool sets and crafts geared toward tiny green thumbs. There are also several fun options in planters that kids will enjoy.
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By Delilah Onofrey, Suntory Flowers
Photographs courtesy of Suntory Flowers
Planting annual beds of flowers, especially those that are bred to take the summer heat, thereby extending their glory into fall makes a lot of sense.
Click here for an informative article that discusses an economical strategy along with design ideas that can provide color like - a living highlighter. To learn more click here.
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