There has been a bit of a production line going on in my greenhouse. I've been busy planting some terracotta pots up as small Christmas presents for family and friends. Each pot contains some narcissus 'Tête -à - téte'. The pots have been topped off with sphagnum moss and a robin sits atop each. I am sure that there is probably enough moss about in the garden to cover the pots, but I wondered about whether it might come with lurking invisible to the eye baby slugs, so decided to play safe. I was hoping to find smaller robins but these little fellows were all that was available at my local florist. Now all I need is to find some suitable ribbon to wrap round each pot, before adding a little white candle or two or a festive sprig of greenery purely for decoration.
It may be a bit late for this year but if you like making your own presents, Christmas or otherwise, there are plenty of ideas in the recently published 'Gifts From The Garden' by Debora Robertson, who blogs over at love and a licked spoon. This book has only recently come into my possession and I'm hoping to sit down for a good browse through after Christmas.
Another book which has lived in my bookshelves for even longer, is 'Gifts From Your Garden' by Celia Haddon. The book contains some original ideas to try which would be welcomed by gardening and non- gardening aquaintances alike. It is illustrated with some beautiful wood engravings by Yvonne Skargon. The latter's work used to appear regularly in the quarterly magazine Hortus. She was also commissioned to paint roses which featured on Royal Mail commemerative stamps in 1990. Sadly this book is no longer in print but is possible to obtain second hand copies via booksellers as well as through various online sellers.
The title of my post was inspired by that well known children's television programme 'Blue Peter'. Have you made or grown any homemade Christmas presents this year?
what a lovely idea - I must remember it for next year, my aunt would really appreciate that
ReplyDeleteWill remind you nearer the time Helen :)
DeleteWhat a fabulous idea, it's a wonderful gift and I'm sure it will be very well received. I'll have to remember it for next year. I've only made one gift this year, a crochet lap blanket for my mum, you can see it over on my Through The Keyhole blog, link on my Good Life blog. I don't know why I've never thought of making a gardening gift, there's a couple of people who would definitely appreciate something like you've made.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo. I hope that they will go down well. A blanket for your mum sounds an excellent idea. If only I could crochet there would be no stopping me :)
DeleteI've left a reply to your question on my blog.
ReplyDeleteOh thanks Jo - that's really most kind of you. Will pop over for a look.
DeleteAnna:
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful gesture that truly comes from the heart! In a season that is forever being smothered in commercialism, it is a breath of fresh air to open something that truly comes from the heart! I take up the knitting needles for the winter and managed to create a scarf-like assemblage for my older sister. I only wish they didn't take so long to make! Here is wishing you and your loved ones a very festive and happy holiday season and the very best for 2013!
We used to make presents when we were children and although I don't do it every year I like to make the effort occasionally :) I did not know that you were a knitter Barry. You are a man of many talents and I'm sure that your sister will appreciate a gift that has been made with love. All the best to you too.
DeleteOh, that's lovely. My lady really loves the English robins. We have robins here in NY but they are really of the thrush family. Your little robins are so cute.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Our robins may look cute but their appearance belies the fact that they can be quite tough customers at times :)
DeleteWhat a lovely idea - I adore bulbs over the festive time, and the robin tops it beautifully. And thanks for the links - filled me with lots of ideas.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Jennifer - I've decided that the robin looks just right sitting there but just wish that he was smaller. Glad to read that you found the links useful.
DeleteHow lovely Anna. Much better than my effort this year which was paperwhites in baskets, which resolutely have refused to grow more than 2 inches, so no daffs for christmas day, which was my intention with these gifts!
ReplyDeleteI have been eyeing up Debora's book, so I will be interested to know what you make of it
K
I keep meaning to try paperwhites Karen but somehow always miss the boat. What a shame that you think that yours will not oblige with flowers on the day, but I'm sure that they will still be most welcome gifts. Will try to post more fully on Debora's book when I have had a good browse :)
DeleteA simple but lovely idea. I don't think it matters that they flower after the festivities, perhaps even better to have some lovely flowers when the gloom of February arrives. Christina
ReplyDeleteThank you Christina. I'm with you in thinking that they will hopefully provide pleasure in late winter to brighten up that gloom :)
DeleteI thought it was a real robin at first!
ReplyDeleteThe pots are a lovely idea. The best I've managed this year is vanilla sugar, and jam and mini bottles of liqueurs I made in the summer.
I tried to persuade himself that there was a robin sitting on a pot in the greenhouse Cathy but he was not convinced, saying it was far too still to be real. Vanilla sugar and jam sound good but mini bottles of liqueurs even better :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely idea and I'm sure will be enjoyed for a long time. Something that has been put together by yourself means so much more than internet shopping!
ReplyDeleteFunny how the Robin is associated with xmas. We seem to have a lot of redstarts over here. Same family I believe.
ReplyDeleteFlowering after the Fete is a good thing. Something to look forward too.
This is a wonderful idea for a gift. The narcissus will be lovely in bloom, and it is always fun to watch bulbs grow indoors and see them unfold up close. You can savour their delicate beauty when they are featured in a room. The moss and bird make an attractive topping for them.
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