When the pandemic hit, it seemed like the world stopped moving. But, a surprising trend took off – people started gardening like never before. They began growing their own food and making their gardens look beautiful. This new love for plants turned into a movement of “covert gardeners” who are quietly changing their surroundings.
If someone close to you has caught the gardening bug, this guide is for you. It will show you the secret world of these plant lovers and help you find the best gifts for their new hobby.
Key Takeaways
- The pandemic has sparked a surge in new gardeners seeking connection to the natural world.
- Gardening offers therapeutic benefits and a sense of satisfaction for these “covert” plant enthusiasts.
- Gifts that encourage and inspire novice gardeners can help them grow their skills and love of horticulture.
- Connecting with nature through gardening has become an essential activity during these challenging times.
- Newbie gardeners are embracing the “plant CIA” mentality, cultivating their green intelligence covertly.
Discovering the Joy of Gardening During the Pandemic
The pandemic showed us how vital it is to be close to nature for our health. Gardening during the pandemic lets us bond with the earth in ways that are good for us. If someone in your life has started to love plants and gardening, this guide will show you great gifts to support their new hobby.
Connecting with Nature in Unprecedented Times
Gardening became a key way to relax and find purpose during the pandemic. It lets people enjoy the simple things like watching plants grow and feeling connected to nature’s cycles. Whether it’s growing herbs, tending to a garden, or making an indoor garden, the joy of pandemic gardening is clear.
Gardening as a Therapeutic and Satisfying Activity
Gardening is known for its many health benefits. It can lower stress, boost mood, and make people feel proud of their work. Tasks like weeding and planting seeds offer a peaceful break, helping us feel closer to nature.
“Gardening is a way to connect with nature and find solace in the present moment, a much-needed respite during these challenging times.”
Essential Reading for New Gardeners
Starting a garden can be exciting and a bit scary, especially for beginners. But, with the right books, new gardeners can quickly learn and make their gardens beautiful. These books are full of knowledge and help.
Comprehensive Reference Books for Established Green Thumbs
For those who already love gardening, the RHS Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers and the Encyclopedia of Gardening are must-haves. They have lots of info on different plants, how they grow, and the best way to care for them. These books might look big and scary at first, but they’re really helpful for experienced gardeners.
| Book Title | Publisher | Pages | Publication Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Southeast | Mango Publishing Group | 216 | 2019 |
The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Southeast by Ira Wallace is great for growing many vegetables in the Southeast. It covers planting, taking care of them, and picking them at the right time. This book is perfect for both new and experienced gardeners in the Southeast who want to grow more vegetables.
“Gardening is a journey of discovery, and these reference books are the essential roadmaps that will guide you towards a flourishing garden.”
Beginner-Friendly Gardening Books and Resources
For those new to gardening, there are many books that make learning easy. The Principles of Horticulture is a great start, covering all the basics in simple terms. The RHS Complete Gardener’s Manual and RHS Little Book of Small Space Gardening are also great for beginners. They focus on the basics and help with gardening in small spaces.
Introductory Books for Gardening Crash Courses
If you want to grow your own veggies, check out the RHS Grow Your Own Veg Year Planner. It guides you from planning to harvesting your garden. The RHS also has beautiful books that explore plant knowledge, like botany and plant history. These books are perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about plants.
Beautiful Coffee Table Books on Plant Knowledge
These books are great for both beginners and experienced gardeners. They offer a wide range of topics, from basic plant care to beautiful coffee table books. With these resources, you can turn your garden into a beautiful oasis.
Nurturing Plants from Seeds
Growing plants from seeds is a rewarding part of gardening. It’s amazing to see a tiny seed grow into a strong plant. Whether you’re experienced or new to gardening, growing plants from seeds is fulfilling.
The Satisfaction of Raising Plants from Scratch
Starting with seeds is different from buying plants. You feel a bond with each plant as you care for it. Seeing them grow and change is magical. It shows the beauty of nature up close.
Seed Kits and Collections for Various Interests
Seed-starting is exciting but can be overwhelming. Luckily, there are many seed kits and collections for different interests. Whether you want to grow exotic fruits or colorful flowers, there’s something for everyone. When choosing a gift, think about what the person likes. Maybe a seed kit for their favorite veggies or a seed starting set for new varieties.
| Seed Kit | Description |
|---|---|
| Exotic Fruit Growing | A collection of seeds for unique and unusual fruits, perfect for adventurous gardeners. |
| Blooming Bouquet | A diverse selection of flower seeds to create a stunning, colorful garden. |
| Rainbow Veg | A vibrant assortment of vegetable seeds, including heirloom and specialty varieties. |
| Hot Chili and Sweet Pepper | A mix of both spicy and mild pepper seeds, ideal for those who love to experiment with homegrown produce. |
| Sweet Pea | A collection of fragrant and visually stunning sweet pea seeds. |
Whether you’re an expert or new to growing plants from seeds, it’s rewarding. Check out the seed kits and seed collections to find the perfect gift for a plant lover.
Preserving Homegrown Botanical Treasures
For those who found joy in gardening during the pandemic, keeping your blooms can be a special way to remember your new hobby. Flower pressing lets you capture the beauty of your plants and turn them into lasting keepsakes.
Flower Presses for Capturing Gardening Memories
A top-notch flower press is a great gift for garden lovers. These tools flatten and dry your flowers, keeping their colors bright and details sharp. It’s a rewarding process that celebrates someone’s gardening journey.
Pair the flower press with a clear glass hanging frame. This lets the recipient show off their pressed flowers. It’s a thoughtful way to help them keep their gardening memories alive.
“Pressing flowers that you’ve grown yourself is one of the most wholesome activities imaginable, and it will allow the recipient to keep beautiful mementos of their gardening journey.”
Looking to keep your own flowers or surprise a loved one? A flower press is a gift that encourages creativity and connects you with nature. As you arrange your pressed flowers, you’ll remember the happiness of growing your own plants.
Protecting Tender Plants with a Cold Frame
As winter comes, gardeners need a way to keep tender plants safe from frost. A cold frame is a great choice for this. It helps plants grow longer and lets you start some flowers and veggies early. Moving plants from indoors to a cold frame gives them a boost, making them bloom and grow faster.
A small, affordable cold frame is perfect for beginners but still big enough for many plants. It works like a tiny greenhouse, keeping heat in and protecting plants from the cold. For overwintering plants or starting plants early, a good cold frame is a must-have for gardeners.
“A cold frame is an essential investment for gardeners, as it protects tender and half-hardy plants from frost during the winter months.”
Using a cold frame lets you grow plants longer and enjoy them sooner. It’s great for new gardeners wanting an early start or experienced gardeners looking to grow more. Adding a cold frame to your garden is a smart move. It’s easy and effective, helping you get the most out of your garden all year.
Personalized Garden Tools for a Functional Gift
For the budding gardener in your life, consider gifting them personalized gardening tools. These thoughtful gifts are both practical and add a personal touch to their garden. Hand-painted trowels and engraved pruning shears are great examples.
Choose simple yet stylish designs that match the gardener’s style. Look for tools made from quality materials like stainless steel or strong wood. They can handle regular use. Many places let you add the gardener’s name, initials, or a message, making it a gift they’ll love.
Personalized gardening tools are a great choice for any gardener, new or experienced. They’re a functional gift that adds to their personalized gardening tools collection. These unique tools help them care for their plants with style and ease.
| Tool | Personalization Options | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Trowel | Engraved initials or name | $15 – $30 |
| Pruning Shears | Customized with a meaningful message | $25 – $50 |
| Garden Hoe | Hand-painted design or logo | $20 – $40 |
| Garden Spade | Engraved with a special quote | $30 – $60 |
“Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow.” – Audreg Hepburn
the newbies are the plant cia
The pandemic made many turn to nature for comfort, making the “cottagecore” style popular. It’s all about a cozy, rural life with floral dresses and mushrooms. For newbie gardeners, it’s a way to escape the busy city life.
If your loved one loves the cottagecore aesthetic, there are great gardening gifts out there. Think seed kits, flower presses, and garden tools. These gifts help them live their cottagecore dream, one plant at a time.
Embracing the Cottagecore Aesthetic
Starting with cottagecore gardening means adding a touch of timeless charm. Encourage them to use heirloom seeds and vintage pots. They can also press flowers for decoration. With creativity and the right tools, their garden will feel like a cottagecore dream.
“Cottagecore is about finding joy in simple things like baking, knitting, and gardening. It’s a way to escape the busy world.”
The cottagecore trend is still popular among gardeners. It’s a great way to connect with nature. With the right gifts and a bit of imagination, your loved one can have a piece of the countryside at home.
Celebrating Nature with Fungi-Themed Gifts
The cottage-core style is winning hearts everywhere, making people love nature more than ever. Mushrooms are now a key part of this style, with their natural colors and shapes fitting perfectly into the cottagecore look. Because of this, many cute fungi-themed gifts have come out, letting nature lovers show their love for the outdoors.
There are many mushroom gifts to choose from, like tiny mushroom earrings made by small businesses or fun mushroom kits for growing your own. You can also find nature-inspired gifts like a British Mushrooms print or a cozy mug with a mushroom design. These are great for enjoying a warm drink while being close to nature.
For those who love cottagecore gifts, there are handmade mushroom ornaments to add forest magic to your home. Or, a mushroom-themed tea towel or tote bag is perfect for the gardening or nature-loving friend.
Looking for a gift for someone special or just for yourself? These mushroom gifts are a fun way to celebrate nature and the cottagecore style. With so many choices, from useful items to decorations, there’s something for everyone and every budget.
Immersive Reading for Cottagecore Enthusiasts
For those who love the cottagecore look, diving into books about nature and folklore is a great choice. These books offer a deep connection to the outdoors and the wisdom of old stories. They are filled with tales and insights that make you feel closer to nature and traditional stories.
Fiction and Non-Fiction Books on Nature and Folklore
“Hag: Forgotten Folk Tales Retold” by Daisy Johnson is a top pick for fiction lovers. It brings modern twists to British folklore, pulling you into a world of magic and mystery. If you prefer non-fiction, “Wilding” by Isabella Tree is a great choice. It’s about how nature can change our lives, showing the healing power of the earth.
“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer is another key read for cottagecore fans. It mixes Indigenous wisdom, science, and personal stories to show why we should reconnect with the earth. These books make you feel like you’re part of nature, teaching you to see the world in a new way.
Adding handmade pressed flower bookmarks to these cottagecore books can make reading even better. It adds a touch of nature to your reading, making you feel more connected to the stories.
Floral-Inspired Gifts for Gardeners
For those who love gardening and the cottagecore style, consider these lovely gifts. They celebrate the joy of growing plants. You can choose from beautiful dried flower bouquets to handmade floral earrings. These gifts come from independent makers and small businesses, making them special.
Beautiful Dried Flower Bouquets and Handmade Earrings
Give the gift of beauty with a stunning dried flower bouquet. These bouquets are made from flowers that are sustainably sourced. They let the recipient enjoy the beauty of flowers all year long.
For someone who loves fashion and the outdoors, handpainted floral earrings from Sabi Studio are perfect. These earrings are unique and show off the beauty of flowers. They let the wearer show off their love for gardening and nature.
“These dried flower bouquets and handmade earrings are the perfect way to bring a touch of natural beauty into any space. They’re truly a celebration of the wonder of gardening and the great outdoors.”
Conclusion
This article has taken us into the secret world of covert gardening. It shows how beginners are turning into plant experts during the pandemic. We’ve looked at the best gifts for these new gardeners, from books and seeds to gardening gifts and nature-inspired decor.
For those who love cottagecore or have found a new passion for plants, this guide has many ideas. It helps to inspire and support their gardening adventures.
We’ve covered essential books and beginner tools for gardening. The article also talked about preserving plants and giving nature-inspired gifts that match the modern plant lover’s style.
As we face the pandemic’s challenges, gardening has become a way to relax and connect with nature. By embracing the cottagecore style and exploring the world of plants, new gardeners are not just growing their skills. They’re also deepening their love for the natural world.
FAQ
What is the connection between the pandemic and the newfound love for gardening?
The pandemic showed us how important it is to connect with nature for our health. Gardening lets us bond with the earth in ways that boost our wellbeing. Activities like weeding and growing plants are perfect for this connection.
What essential reference books are recommended for gardeners?
For gardeners, the RHS Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers and the Encyclopedia of Gardening are key. They offer lots of info for a thriving garden. They’re best for gardeners with some experience, not beginners.
What beginner-friendly gardening books and resources are suggested?
For new gardeners, try “The Principles of Horticulture” and the RHS Complete Gardener’s Manual. “The RHS Little Book of Small Space Gardening” and the RHS Grow Your Own Veg Year Planner are also great. Plus, the RHS has coffee table books on botany and gardening history for deeper knowledge.
Why is raising plants from seed considered a satisfying aspect of gardening?
Growing plants from seed is very rewarding. It’s special to plant your own seeds and watch them grow. It’s an amazing feeling to see a tiny seed become a beautiful plant.
What are the benefits of using a flower press?
A flower press is a great way to show off your gardening love. It lets you keep beautiful memories of your garden. Pressing your own flowers is a touching way to cherish your gardening moments.
How can a cold frame benefit gardeners?
A cold frame is a must-have for gardeners. It keeps tender plants safe from frost in winter. This lets you start some plants and flowers earlier, making them bloom sooner.
What is the “cottagecore” aesthetic, and how is it relevant to gardening?
“Cottagecore” is all about a charming, natural way of life, especially in gardening. It’s been popular in 2020. It celebrates nature with themes like mushrooms and flowers, perfect for gardeners who love a rustic look.
What types of gifts are recommended for cottagecore enthusiasts?
For cottagecore fans, consider gifts like a flower press, a dried flower bouquet, or floral earrings. “Hag: Forgotten Folk Tales Retold” and “Wilding” by Isabella Tree are great reads to deepen your connection with nature.