By Marta Rusek 

The holidays are upon us, which means the hunt for the perfect gifts is afoot. Shopping for the gardener in your life can be a tricky undertaking, since there is a plethora of options to choose from and every plant lover has different tastes in tools and techniques. PHS expert Andrew Bunting shares his recommendations for the best gifts for gardeners this holiday season.  

Gifts for the Beginner Gardener 

Starting a garden can be overwhelming for a newbie, which is why having the best gardening tools from the get-go can make all the difference.  Give the beginner gardener a sturdy garden trowel and water nozzle for tending to their first garden in the yard or on the windowsill. “A trowel that does not bend or break is essential in the garden,” Andrew explains.  

A trowel, like A.M. Leonard’s No Blist’R Trowel, is necessary when planting annuals, perennials and bulbs, and a nozzle that evenly disperses water, like the Dramm 400 Water Breaker Nozzle, is essential when watering flowerpots and window boxes. If you’re looking for a gift that’s super versatile, you can’t go wrong with a good hori hori garden knife.  “The hori hori can be used to plant perennials or small bulbs, and it also functions as a soil knife and is excellent for dividing perennials,” says Andrew. 

Gifts for the Gardener That Has Everything 

When giving a random garden tool or decorative planter as a gift simply will not do, try going for the gardening tools that are proven to be durable and high-quality. Andrew suggests pruners by Swiss company Felco. “I have been using this brand exclusively for 35 years,” says Andrew. “Their pruners are very durable, and the blades are replaceable.” He also recommends the King of Spades by Garrett Wade, for planting many plants and for edging beds. Though on the pricier side, it’s a worthwhile purchase for gardeners. “It’s the most durable blade on the market,” according to Andrew.  

A Gift for the Adventurous Gardener 

For a gardener who is eager to grow anything and everything, a gift certificate to Plant Delights Nursery goes a long way. “Plant Delights Nursery is unequaled amongst retail, mail order catalogs,” Andrew says. “If you are looking for dozens of choices of Trillium, Epimedium, Agave, cannas, and hundreds of perennials, Plant Delights Nursery is second to none for choices.” 

Be warned, a Plant Delights Nursery certificate is an enticing gift for plant lovers of all experience levels. “The descriptions are so well-written that you will want to buy one of every plant!” 

Gifts for the Gardener That’s Always Eager to Learn New Things 

There are several gardening magazines out there, but for Andrew, one rises above the rest.  “I like Fine Gardening Magazine for the in-depth articles. They often chronicle a home garden and have excellent regional information.” 

The plant lover in your life may also enjoy receiving a gift membership to PHS. A PHS membership offers the satisfaction of creating healthy living environments through gardening while also offering discounts on educational programs, access to materials at the PHS McLean Library (including e-books!), and a subscription to GROW, our award-winning, quarterly magazine. 

A Gift the Gardener That’s Thinking About the Future 

If you’re looking for something super-special to put in a loved one’s stocking this holiday season, a ticket to the most exciting event for plant lovers in 2025 is the way to go. The 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show – Gardens of Tomorrow promises to be a thrilling and hopeful look at the future through exquisite floral exhibits, hands-on activities for all ages, and much more.  

For unlimited daily access to the Flower Show all week long, give the gift of the Floral Fanatic Pass. Flower enthusiasts can come to the show each day and catch all the floral presentations and workshops throughout the week.