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DECEMBER 2017 HOME 5 K i t c h e n s | B a t h s | D e n s | C a b i n s | O f f i c e s | R e c R o o m s Work With Experienced Design Professionals "We Specialize in Cabinetry" 1005 Richards Road, Hartland | 262.367.9439 www.kitchencreators.com Cabinetry For Every Room, Every Budget! WE OFFER: NORCRAFT CABINETRY MID CONTINENT CABINETRY OMEGA CABINETRY DYNASTY CABINETRY WOODLAND CABINETRY 257940004 We Beat All Big Box Stores and all Competitors | Visit Our Showroom By Appointment Make an appointment today and learn about the new trends and cabinet specials. For all the years I've been a gardener, there were only a handful of times I have actually received something gardening- related as a gift, especially in the winter months. Maybe it's simply because most stores have all the seasonal garden stuff packed away. With the trend of indoor gar- dening growing each year, maybe they'll start to catch on. Even garden centers can be at fault here. But until things change, we need to think about buying gifts for our gardening family and friends during the growing season. This is what I do now. There are the basic tools of course. Although this doesn't mean you have to buy them a shovel or rake, but who knows, they may need one. But there are things like new styles of pruners, and other hand tools with eco-designs that might pique your interest. These little hand tools are used more often than the larger ones in the garden, especially with raised bed garden- ing becoming so popular. Watering wands are another handy tool for all gardeners to possess. They come in many colors, shapes and sizes. For those who still use watering cans, boy, have they changed as well. Life circumstances may also change, and there is no reason gardening can't change with it. Many people are moving out of their homes and into condos or apartments and they still want to garden. Many are switching to container gardening for their patio or balcony. Because of this, I usually start in the container section. I usually try to find some fun, different or interesting things that fit a particular person's inter- est. Something they may not buy for them- selves because it's more of a want than a need. There are some really interesting container selections these days besides the basic plastic and terra cotta choices. From new colors and designs to more of a natu- ral look, you can find it all. There are also premade raised beds these days and even elevated gardens for those who might be wheelchair-bound. Brighten someone's day by helping them to continue to garden. Garden art is not only fun to shop for, but it's a huge trend these days. People are put- ting more than just plants in their garden beds. Spinners, colored glass sculptures, stepping stones, metal sculptures, statuary of just about anything you can imagine, signs, fountains, and so much more. Also check out the thrift stores, garage sales, and auctions for old gardening tools or other antiques; these are also very popular. If someone is more into nature, bird houses and feeders, bird baths, bat houses, butterfly houses and drinking and bathing stations, bee houses, toad houses, harvest baskets, straw hats, a nice wooden potting bench and, of course, books are a good idea. So next time you're out shopping at the garden center, keep your eyes peeled for those special gifts for family and friends who love to garden. There is nothing that warms a gardener's heart more in the dead of winter than getting a special gift for the garden. Happy gardening! (Michael Timm is a horticulturalist with Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia.) Submitted photo Ebert's Greenhouse in Ixonia is decked for the season. Besides poinsettias, ideas for green thumbs on your holiday list range widely. Horticulturalist Michael Timm offers some varied ideas for really almost anyone on your nice list. MICHAEL TIMM Outdoor gifts range from new watering can styles to containers for condos to raised beds for people in wheelchairs Décor can include stepping stones, spinners, metal sculptures and more

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