Green thumbs up to these gift ideas

University of Illinois McHenry County Extension For more information, call the Extension at (815) 338-3737 or stop in at 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock.

A short list of items most gardeners will appreciate might come in handy this holiday season, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.

"With gardening being America's No. 1 hobby, it is likely you have several gardeners on your gift list," said Jennifer Fishburn.

"Not all homeowners consider themselves gardeners but, if they have a lawn and a few shrubs that they care for, they are a gardener."

One potential gift is a garden knife.

"A garden knife is a multi-functional tool that can be used for several gardening activities such as digging, weeding, and cutting," she said.

"Desirable features of this tool would include a comfortable handle and sharp, stainless steel blade with a serrated edge.

"Another good feature to look for is a notched tip, ideal for getting out long roots of dandelions that invade flower beds. Be sure to get a protective sheath with a belt loop."

Fishburn added that some garden knife names to look for include multi-purpose garden knife, all-in-one knife, soil knife, and Hori-Hori Japanese digging tool.

"To provide a gift that a gardener and his or her family will enjoy -- as well as our feathered friends -- consider bird feeders and bird seed," she said.

"There are many types of bird feeders and several types of bird seed available."

Tray, platform, or hopper feeders make seeds available for all types of birds. However, many of these types of feeders also allow for spillage and can attract squirrels. Many tubular feeders, which have either openings for niger seed or sunflower seeds, attract specific bird species.

"If you're buying a bird feeder as a gift, bird seed makes a good companion gift. Black-oil sunflower seeds will attract the largest variety of birds," she said. "Other large seeds that are favored include striped sunflower, niger (thistle) seed, suet, and peanuts. To avoid the mess of seed hulls, consider purchasing sunflower hearts."

Once they have eaten, birds will want water. "Birds need water -- yes, even in winter," Fishburn said.

"A bird bath should be shallow -- less than three inches deep -- have a gradual slope, and preferably a non-slip bottom.

"Don't forget a birdbath heater; this will keep ice from forming."

Back in the garden, hand pruners are another option. Every gardener needs a good durable set of hand pruners. "Look for pruners with replaceable parts," she noted.

"The scissor-type pruners -- bypass pruners -- are recommended over the anvil type. Anvil pruners -- those with a blade on one side and a flat surface on the other -- tend to crush the stem rather than provide a sharp cut. Include a holster for easy access."

How about a garden bench, or statuary? "You might be able to find some good sales on garden benches, statues, sun dials, and fountains," Fishburn said.

"There are lots of sizes and material choices available for garden benches -- wood, concrete, resin, wrought iron, and plastic.

"If the bench is concrete or resin, subject to cracking in cold weather, remind the recipient not to leave the item outside in the winter."

Gardeners can't refuse a good gardening book. Several great publications that are written for Illinois growing conditions are available at local University of Illinois Extension offices.

"One example is U of I Extension's Pocket Guide to Good Gardening," she said.

"This pamphlet is small enough to fit in your back pocket and durable enough to weather many trips into the garden. Topics include general gardening tips and key garden safety concerns.

"U of I Extension publications can be purchased in local offices or online at Pubs Plus (http://pubsplus.uiuc.edu)."

Other gift ideas include new plant cultivars, a work apron, garden clogs, leaf shredders, a heavy-duty spade, kneeling pad, garden calendar and software.

"A gift from the heart that doesn't cost a cent is a coupon for three hours of weeding, planting, mowing or raking leaves," Fishburn said.