Heartfelt gifts for Valentine’s day come in many forms. Especially for the Gardener in your life. Finding unique ways to say I Love You for those who enjoy having their hands in the soil is easier than you think! Here are a few heartfelt ideas that keep on giving.
GROWING RED WITH PURPOSE
Floral bouquets are so easy and practical, right?? How generic is that? As a gardener, a perfect heartfelt gift would be flowers for the garden. A plant that has a red bloom or stem that might be deer-proof would be ideal. Some suggestions are Yarrow “Red Beauty”, Dianthus “Odessa Red” or Salvia Microphylla “HotLips” – all seem appropriate.
If you really want to show off, order a peony in the fall and pot it up for gifting on this day of love. There are also online reputable resources for peonies purchased in the Spring. Usually, these will arrive at the proper planting time. Suggested cultivars are Itoh “Scarlet Heaven”, “Red Charm”, “Red Magic”, “Kansas” or “Blaze”. This would show you put a little thought into selections that become more voluptuous year after year. Even if you order a gift certificate for these cultivars, the message would be clear. Your heartfelt intentions will convey a lot.
EDIBLE REDS FOR HEALTH
It is the time of year to sow seeds. In my zone, February is the optimum time to sow pepper seeds. Red peppers would definitely show you care about a healthy lifestyle. Did you know red peppers are simply loaded with nutrition?? When you consider they have almost eleven times the beta-carotene of green peppers, that shows you care! There is also that higher Vitamin C component – 1.5 times more in red peppers. Not sure what seeds to buy? Visit your local garden center and choose red pepper seeds to start indoors.
The other option is mail order. I love the selections from Botanical Interests. Sweet choices of something like Jimmy Nardello Sweet Peppers or Yolo Wonder Sweet Pepper seeds. For those who like it hot, Santaka Chile Peppers or some real sizzle, Scotch Bonnet Chile Pepper seeds.
Amaranth seeds or Scarlet Emporer Runner Bean seeds are great edibles that make a statement in the summer garden. One obvious choice is the ever loved tomato. If you want options, a terrific resource that shares online tomato love all year is RennaisanceFarms.org. I look at the tomato photos and simply adore the descriptions. As I move more towards container plantings, Micro dwarf and dwarf varieties are piquing my interests. Varieties like Geranium Kiss is one that I will try to grow this year.
Other edible red options are strawberry plant roots, Rhubarb roots, Thornless Red Rasberry Canes, or Lingonberry plants. Make certain your Valentine has room to accommodate these perennial plants. Also, know what zone your Valentine lives in.
HEARTFELT HOUSEPLANTS
Houseplant offerings have increased over the years. After all, everybody is not inclined to play in the soil outdoors. There are houseplant offerings that are quite unique. If purchased in advance, the Amaryllis “Red Lion” is a great choice. After bloom, this bulb can summer outdoors or in a bright room. Care and instructions are given for reblooming when purchased or can be found online.
Other heartfelt choices are the Anthurium, Bromeliad, and the Red Christmas Cactus. There are other houseplants that might be a favorite of your Valentine, so choose wisely. Stay away from houseplants that have artificial dyes in the foliage or blooms. If they survive the blooms will not be the same color and the new growth will be green.
Heartfelt gifts for this day of showing your Valentine can be as unique as you want. It is how much thought you put into the selection, that will show just how much you notice and care.
Here’s hoping your Valentine reads this…skip the chocolate, please.
Growing Love for humankind…
Teri, Cottage In The Court
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