As the holidays get closer and the shopping days fade away, I have some ideas for the gardeners on your list.

• A book on gardening from one of the online or brick and mortar booksellers. Of course, buying online relieves you of having to go to one more store.

• A subscription to one of the gardening magazines. Just Google gardening magazines and you can order online.

• You can also go shopping at the recipient’s favorite garden center. Consider a piece of statuary or some other hardscape item. You could also buy a gardening tool or a garden clothing item. If the person raises houseplants, they would surely appreciate a nice houseplant in a decorative container. And, when all else fails, there’s always a gift card from the garden center.

• A Birchcrest Tree & Landscape gift certificate that can be redeemed for any of our services is always a favorite. Whether the recipient’s yard needs tree, shrub or lawn maintenance, mulch, a new tree or shrub or a whole new landscape, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you had a hand in making their dream a reality.

Besides the practicality of one of the suggested gifts to a gardener, this gesture also shows that you are aware of their passion and thoughtful enough to give a gift they can really use. It can also take some of the stress off you as you rush around to tie-up those last minute loose ends.

All of us here at Birchcrest wish you, your family and everyone on your gift list the happiest of holidays.