Want to give a plant/shrub/tree as a gift.

Briando

Hello everybody,

My mother loves to garden and has a large country garden with a lot of trees, plants and all sorts in it.

I'd like to buy her something unique or unusual for her garden, or even the kitchen window sill.

Can anybody throw out some ideas?

For example, she has a walnut tree. Has a bonsai tree. That kind of thing, something a little unusual.

Thanks,
-B

lottpaul

Nice idea Briando but we'd need a small bit of info about the garden

is it coastal/inland - in other words does it get very frosty or is it exposed to sea winds etc?
acid/neutral/alkaline soil?
does she have a feature like a pond, greenhouse/conservatory etc?
and any general idea of what she likes/dislikes - both the things you mention are trees so would she prefer something in that line?

Briando

lottpaul wrote: »

Nice idea Briando but we'd need a small bit of info about the garden

is it coastal/inland - in other words does it get very frosty or is it exposed to sea winds etc?
acid/neutral/alkaline soil?
does she have a feature like a pond, greenhouse/conservatory etc?
and any general idea of what she likes/dislikes - both the things you mention are trees so would she prefer something in that line?

South Kildare so frosty at times alright. There is a pond, no greenhouse.
The reason I mentioned trees is because its the only thing I recognize. She has all sorts in the garden. If I had the money I would buy her some mini JCB because she loves to landscape the place

lottpaul

Johnstown and other Kildare centres are good places to buy as they would know the local conditions. You might prefer to take the safe option and get her a voucher or just make sure that whatever you buy can be exchanged. Gardeners can be very fussy and its difficult to know exactly what would suit their gardens. A small shrub for a tenner if it suits an area or is an unusual variety can be more appreciated than one worth ten times that.

When buying it's not necessary to buy a large/older shrub. Younger smaller ones are cheaper of course but are also easier to look after as they settle in and wont need staking etc.

If you'd like something that would be at it's best at this time of the year a daphne (non acid soil only), witch hazel or scented viburnum would be lovely - they have glorious scent in winter -- and they would cost in the region of €10-€20
A skimmea or similar berried shrub would give great colour but needs acid soil. There's loads of options - just ask around.

And if you really felt like splashing out - how about this? Pricey but nice

http://www.johnstowngardencentre.ie/cercis-lavender-twist--american-redbud-tree/cercis_lavender_twistpd.aspx

Best of luck!

periodictable

How about a wollemi pine?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wollemia
From 60-90 euros but an interesting plant.

paddy147

Briando wrote: »

Hello everybody,

My mother loves to garden and has a large country garden with a lot of trees, plants and all sorts in it.

I'd like to buy her something unique or unusual for her garden, or even the kitchen window sill.

Can anybody throw out some ideas?

For example, she has a walnut tree. Has a bonsai tree. That kind of thing, something a little unusual.

Thanks,
-B

Edit...just read she allready has a bonsai tree.

Briando

periodictable wrote: »

How about a wollemi pine?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wollemia
From 60-90 euros but an interesting plant.

Where about Dublin could I get this? I think I will get her 2 different plants just encase one of them cant handle the soil.

periodictable

Briando wrote: »

Where about Dublin could I get this? I think I will get her 2 different plants just encase one of them cant handle the soil.

Most decent nurseries will have it, or can certainly get one for you.
I ran a search and came up with this list of nurseries:

http://www.wollemipine.co.uk/acatalog/Retailers_Ireland.html

The Garden Shop

I know it may be the complete opposite of unusual. But maybe a traditional irish rose..

You can get as standard or Bushes.

Briando wrote: »

Hello everybody,

My mother loves to garden and has a large country garden with a lot of trees, plants and all sorts in it.

I'd like to buy her something unique or unusual for her garden, or even the kitchen window sill.

Can anybody throw out some ideas?

For example, she has a walnut tree. Has a bonsai tree. That kind of thing, something a little unusual.

Thanks,
-B

moceri

Try Christmas Box. (Sarcococcas).
Evergreen shrub that flowers during christmas with creamy white flowers and gorgeous scent. Can be grown in shade or in a container near the back door for a lovely scent to greet visitors.

Northumbria

Try a Quince tree - it's an uncommon fruit but apparently cooks very well and fills the air with a nice aroma (both tree and fruit).
Corkscrew willows are also nice for landscaping.

Quince:

http://www.lavenderandlovage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/PA0645531.jpg

http://ferrebeekeeper.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/31_04.jpg

Corkscrew willow:





http://newcenturycomputers.net/wallpaper/Corkscrew%20Willow%20by%20Tracy.jpg

zef

Hi, you mentioned something for the windowsill.
Have you seen or heard of Aerogardens?

http://www.aerogarden.nl/en?gclid=CKC90YCnqrQCFUIf4QodbUEAxQ

They might be a bit basic for an experienced gardener , but are kinda like a water based greenhouse for your kitchen for growing fresh herbs , apparantly tomatoes, chilis and even flowers!
Just an idea.

looksee

I just got a Vibernum Bodnantense Dawn. and it is so pretty it would make a lovely gift - a winter flowering Vibernum

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2012/jan/16/winter-flowering-plants