gifts for gardeners: a better mower, more cats!

DEAR SANTA: A girl my age doesn’t need any more “stuff,” so let’s emphasize the practical, shall we, old friend? Easier mowing; less mess with the kitchen scraps; more pro tools to process garden harvest into food that keeps; warmer (and also skid-proof) tootsies in winter; oh, and a tactic for truly flipping squirrels the bird (as in squirrel-proof bird feeders). Those gifts would make garden types like myself truly happy. Those–and maybe just a small herd of the madcap cashmere cats that my neighbor makes from recycled sweaters?better kitchen compost bucket

I just upgraded from my beat-up, age-old plastic kitchen compost pail to a snappy stainless one ($45.50), complete with replaceable charcoal insert in the lid to minimize odors.

steady as she goes

One of my favorite “stocking stuffers” to give to Northern types (or lately any types, since ice storms seem to be the new normal in unexpected locations): Yaktrax. These anti-slip grippers fit over boots or shoes. (Pro model about $30.)

dreams of dried fruit and more

Garden helper Susan made dried apple slices in a friend’s machine this fall, and when I tasted them, I kicked myself for not buying an Excalibur dehydrator and doing the same. From under $200 to $300-plus (of course I want the 9-shelf stainless model with BPA-free trays).

foraging! a field guide and cookbook in one

I met the author and illustrator of “Foraging and Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook” this summer, and have been looking at my “weeds” and “wildflowers” with a different eye since. A-hunting in 2014 I will go, with a copy of this lavishly illustrated hardcover book of plant profiles and recipes ($40), paired with a handmade Vermont tomato basket ($125) to hold my loot.

fermenting!

Fermented

gardening composting Cats state Vermont