Christmas lists

As usual in the run up to Christmas when I'm looking for gifts for a long list of people, I do nothing but find garden related things that I would like!  I thought I would share some of them in case you have more garden-y friends and family than I do (and then some for when I want to treat myself!).

1. Arch

Image copyright Agriframes

I would really like an arch for over my back door. It is not a pretty door or a particularly pretty wall, so to create some sort of focal point would be a huge improvement (I'm working on a new door but that is a longer term plan). I'd like a plain round arch like this one at Agriframes, but I can't say I'm keen on their official door arches or porticos. I think I will get a plain arch and plant it in 2 tubs, and so...

2. Tubs

Image copyright Garden Trading

For my arch to go into and the climbers (they're for a different list!) to grow in.
These are nice from GardenTrading, but I also like the zinc tub style if only I can find them in the right size!

I'd also like anything from Violet Grey, doesn't matter what, I'll redesign my garden to fit whatever is - just saying.


2. Pond in a pot

Image copyright Primrose.co.uk

I have long wanted some sort of pond in my garden but living on a steep hill with a sloping garden it is rather challenging. I came across this idea whilst Googling something else and would quite like to try one out. Not that you couldn't put one together yourself easily enough, then you could choose exactly your pot style and plants - perhaps I'll just steal their idea!


3. Bird feeders and houses

Image copyright Green&Blue

Green&Blue do stunning feeders and houses for the contemporary bird!
They are a beautifully designed, interesting alternative to the rustic or the wire-y versions.
And now they do bee hotels too!

4. Gardening apron

Image copyright Helen Round

I love this one by Helen Round, pure linen and hand printed with lots of handy pockets. She also does lovely tea towels and prints.

5. Cosy socks

These are my Seasalt Cabin Socks, leafily knitted and fluffily lined they are perfect for snuggling on the sofa or inside your boots in the garden - cosy toes are essential for happy gardening! Seasalt also do pretty floral socks inspired by Cornish Gardens, and fluffy long socks for even chillier activities.

6. Mugs, calendar and cards

Images copyright Alison Bick Design

Mugs are always essential to the gardener - gardening without tea or coffee is unthinkable! These are gorgeous from Alison Bick Design. I particularly like her range using Coastal Garden designs, or her Cornish Hedgerow designs and you can get prints, cards and a calendar too.

7. Gardens Illustrated

Inspirational and great with tea (or coffee) when the weather has driven you indoors.

I have subscription to this and have had for 5 years or so and I'm so grateful for it.

Subscribe here.

8. Prints

Images copyright Humblecottage Designs

I came across Humblecottage Designs last weekend and I loved the colours of these prints (and they had mugs with the same design on, although they don't have those on the website.) Perfect for gazing at when the garden is not looking as it should (from around Nov until about May in my case!)

I apologise if you were hoping for lots of lovely plants but that is a whole separate list which will need a lot of editing down to fit in a single post! Also many plants look pretty grim at this time of year and it can be hard to tell if the plant is a good one, so not an ideal time to buy unless it's a bare root stock. 

So now is the time for planning the plant wish list, with a beautiful mug of tea, a pile of Gardens Illustrated, in a room decorated with lovely inspirational prints - I love gardening.