Christmas Gifts - Living Plants

Living Plants Are a Gift That Expresses Life 

Many of us struggle with what to give for the holiday.  My thoughts go to gift cards and money.  However, this option seems too trite, and I know I love to get a gift that someone has put a little thought into.  Gift cards to a nice eatery are common in my family.   I struggle with the idea that you can't have your cake and eat it too.  Eating out is nice, but once the gift is gone, where is that lingering reminder that someone cared enough to give me a gift?  

Here are a few ideas of gifts that I would like to receive, and I hope you can create a loving moment when you give these living gifts.  Living - yes, as in plants.  Greenery that is alive, fragrant, and creates a lasting image of the one who gave it. 

This little 4 inch orb comes with sand, gravel and the plant with instructions so simple even kids can succeed in growing it.  This Hinterland Trading Air Plant Tillandsia Bromeliads Terrarium Kit with Pebbles and Moss Great Little Houseplant is a sweet little gift.

Fragrant plants are a special treat, especially indoors when the outdoor plants are under a blanket of winter.

Hirt's Arabian Tea Jasmine Plant - Maid of Orleans - FRAGRANT - 4" Pot

  

This Jasmine grows indoors and can be moved outside in warm weather.  It is ever blooming and only needs a bright window for light.

Italian Herbs on the kitchen window are great gift for the cook in the family.  For salads, pastas, and sauces, these herbs will provide a freshness to many meals all winter long.

Garden at Home 42414 Italian Herb Trio

Three ceramic containers included in this set will grow chives, basil, and oregano.  The 3 x 3 x 3 in containers sit in a drip tray to keep window sills neat.


A favorite aromatic herb of mine is Rosemary.  I love to rub it's branches as I pass by, and the fragrance lingers in the air and on my hands.  A great holiday gift, in my opinion.

Tuscan Blue Rosemary Plant One Gallon



Rosemary is hardy only to Zone 8, so it cannot be outdoors in my Zone 6 winters.  That is when I bring this plant into a bright, sunny location for the winter.  Care is minimal, and watering too much can be a problem.  Only water when branches start to droop.  And speaking of branches, rosemary branches and leaves are a great addition to poultry dishes and sauces.  

Citrus trees in containers are another fragrant plant we can give for the holiday gift.  Orange and lemon are popular trees grown as houseplants.  Imagine that aroma on a dark, dreary day - sure to brighten up the mood.

2-3 Year Old Improved Meyer Lemon Tree in Grower's Pot, 3 Year Warranty

The Meyer Lemon tree has lush foliage and fruit is delicious.

Terrarium & Fairy Garden Plants - Assortment of 5 Different Plants in 2" Pots

These five terrarium or fairy garden plants come in 2 inch containers and are perfect to freshen up a container or start a new one.   To provide a suitable container this  is available also.

Anchor Hocking 2-Gallon Heritage Hill Jar with Glass Lid

H Potter Square Terrarium Gothic Style

Terrariums enclose the plants into their own eco-system when planted with potting soil and a slight amount of moisture.  The enclosed case keep the soil moist, and the plants thrive in a 'rain forest' type of environment.


Some of these small plants do well in a miniature garden.  All design features of an outdoor garden, sitting on a table top.  Many garden features can be replicated with pathways, benches, and accessories one would find in a full size garden.

Miniature Fairy Garden Driftwood Bench, Assorted

     

This fairy bowl is a sweet combination of miniature garden and terrarium.


Giving a live plant is a heart-felt gift.  Life is expressed in the growing of plants, and will enhance any decor.  And who isn't blessed with a gift that grows on you?