Terrariums

There are many classes devoted to designing terrariums with succulents (and other plants). The selling point the no-maintenance aspect. Another possible DIY project, sign up for the “Make a Terrarium” class at Sugar Creek Gardens, St. Louis, MO.

A Whole Season of Fresh Bouquets

If you want to lavish your love with a field of just-picked blooms, Prinzing says, “Buy a CSA gift certificate from a local flower farmer — it’s called Community Supported Agriculture.” Learn more at slowflowers.com. Native Roots Farm, in Westville, Indiana, offers an optional floral bouquet along with its edible produce. Check with your local co-op to see if there is one nearby that offers a touch of romance with your veggies.

Lighting System for Indoor Plants

Whether your Valentine likes to start with seeds for the outdoor garden or to grow plants indoors, shine some light on the process with the Jump Start system from HydroFarm. It’s a great way to learn more about growing under lights with an entire kit that includes light, reflector, stand and adjustable height supplement.

Hydrofarm Jump Start – photo by Jean Starr

Garden Gloves

Gloves get wet, torn, buried or otherwise become useless, whether permanently or temporarily. For mid-season use, anything that keeps the worst of the dirt from encroaching under the nails is helpful. While some gsrdeners use vinyl gloves, others prefer leather, or synthetic nylon blends. If you are not sure which kind to give, sneak a look at some your Valentine’s old gloves to see what is likely preferred.

Lotions and Soaps for Gardeners

It’s good to have Technu on hand, especially if there is poison ivy lurking in the garden. It works by removing the oils before they can become serious irritants. After finishing up for the day, if you’ve had a run-in with poison ivy, and a subsequent use of Technu, a good hand lotion is essential. However, fragrant creams and lotions are not your friends in the summer if mosquitoes are a concern. Visit Beesential for a hand-made skin cream from honey, beeswax and oils. Best of all, there is a fragrance-free option to avoid attracting mosquitoes.