All I want for Christmas this year is rain, more rain, healthy soil, and a biodiverse garden! But, just in case you can't put that in my stocking, here is a list of what I need and want.
Some of the most helpful items would be:
1) A Japanese Hori-Hori digging tool/knife to weed and divide my perennials;
2) Hand pruners – both small and cross-cut types;
3) Loppers to thin the larger bushes and to rid my perennials of dry and/or diseased branches;
4) A rake, because it's good exercise, and gas blowers mainly produce dust and noise;
5) Several bags of mulch to keep my plants moist;
6) A wheelbarrow or cart;
7) A compost bin;
8) And, a small container for the kitchen in which to contain my vegetable and fruit scraps destined for composting.
I have noticed many robins and blue scrub jays using the birdbath you gave me last year. May I please have another one for my backyard? I also need a broad-brimmed hat, gardening gloves, and a carrier for my tools. A gardener's apron with sizable pockets would be very useful, too.
Oh, Santa, there are so many books that I need. I want to learn more about how to reduce my carbon footprint, nourish healthy soil, and create a biodiverse garden. In view of that, I will need a Square Foot Gardening book to get started with a vegetable garden. Because I want my garden to be a sustainable and natural habitat for pollinators, I am looking for a book that lists native and nonnative plants that are bee-friendly and drought-tolerant. My goal is to have at least eight species blooming in the garden at any one time. I also need to learn more about conserving water during these dry times. One way to achieve that goal would be to convert to a drip system, so please include a book about irrigation.
A few other ideas:
- Garden Labels with pens and stakes
- Self-watering spikes for my pots when I'm away
- Tool Organizer bag
- Soil moisture meter
- Garden Kneeler with a seat for my knees
- Multi-Digger Spading Fork
- Garden Sleeves for UV sun protection
- A pretty, decorative rain gauge
- Wind chimes
- garden hand rake
- soil pH meter
- Garden weeder hand tool
- Repotting Mat for mess control
- Gardener's Hand cream and pumice soap
- Japanese Ninja Claw Rake and cultivator
- Gift certificate to my favorite nursery so I can indulge in new plants!
Our local Farmers Market is bursting with healthy produce, including vegetables, fruits, baked goods, honey, and olives. I need a nice, large basket, or perhaps even some canvas bags, in which to carry my purchases home from the market.
If I get confused or need more information about home gardening during these dry times, I know that the UC Master Gardeners of Tulare/Kings have a table at Farmers' Markets throughout Tulare and Kings Counties with information and advice for me, along with many other events (listed in our e-newsletter! Sign up online!).
Thank you so much, dear Santa. I hope that you and Mrs. Claus have a very happy holiday!