Harvest Happiness: Delight Gardeners with Fruitful Gifts this Holiday

Michael Polozola

The holidays are a perfect time to give a gift that will bear fruit for many more seasons to come. Imagine the joy of giving a gift that not only brings beauty but also provides delicious, homegrown fruit year after year. When considering what fruit trees may be a good fit for those on your gift list, it's important to consider a few factors to ensure that your present will be well received and thrive in its new home. One of the first things to think about is whether your intended recipient is actually going to appreciate your gift. If gardening is not something they do regularly, there is no need to doom a perfectly good fruit tree to a death sentence by neglect.

Citrus

Citrus trees, especially satsumas, are among the most popular fruit tree gifts people have consulted me on. They make wonderfully thoughtful gifts for most gardeners. Traditional satsuma selections like Owari and Brown Select are usually easy to find at local nurseries and have a proven track record of performing well in our climate, provided they receive cold protection during extreme weather events.

Newer Arctic Frost selections of both satsumas and oranges have shown potential to withstand colder temperatures, which is worth considering. Additionally, dwarf and semi-ornamental selections are great for growing in containers, ideal for those with limited space or who want to move trees easily for cold protection. Citrus trees with variegated foliage, such as the Pink Lemonade lemon or variegated calamondin and kumquats, are excellent choices for adding ornamental appeal. These selections not only provide fresh, homegrown fruit but also enhance the aesthetic value of any garden with their unique and attractive leaves. Citrus trees can provide fresh, homegrown fruit for many years, making them a gift that keeps on giving.

Pecans

Pecan trees can be an excellent choice for those looking to give a gift with a lasting impact for generations. It's important to ensure the recipient has plenty of space for a pecan tree to grow to maturity, especially considering that under ideal conditions, pecan trees can live for over a hundred years. For most selections, a 60-by-60-foot area is recommended for the tree to grow into.

Researching which cultivars will perform best in a homeowner situation, where it may not be practical to treat for disease, is crucial. You want selections with innate disease resistance that will hopefully still be fruitful 100 years from now. Some good ones to consider are Amling, Elliott, Gafford, Jackson, Kanza, Lakota, McMillian, and Woodman. If space is a bit limited, consider the Jackson variety, which tends to stay smaller at maturity and should fit well in a 40-by-40-foot spot. Pecan trees can grow into a family heirloom, providing nuts and shade for generations.

Blackberries

Blackberries are an excellent holiday gift, especially for gardeners who love berries. These hardy plants are easy to grow and thrive in various climates. Known for their sweet, juicy fruits, blackberries are perfect for fresh eating, baking, and making jams. Both thorny and thornless varieties are available, with thornless types being more popular for home gardens due to their ease of harvest. Recommended varieties include Apache, Arapaho, Kiowa, Natchez, Navaho, Ouachita, Prime-Ark Freedom, Prime-Ark Traveler, and Sweet-Ark Ponca.

Blackberries can be grown in the ground or large containers, making them versatile for different garden spaces. Trellising is important for blackberry plants as it supports the canes, improves air circulation, and makes harvesting easier. Proper trellising also prevents diseases by keeping the plants off the ground and reducing moisture buildup. Blackberry bushes can produce abundant harvests year after year, making them a gift that keeps on giving.

Persimmons

Persimmons are a great choice for both neglectful gardeners and avid hunters. These low-maintenance fruit trees thrive in various environments and can produce fruit even with minimal care, though they perform best when properly tended. Persimmons come in astringent and non-astringent varieties. Non-astringent types, like the popular Fuyu, can be eaten while still firm and have a mild sweetness. Astringent varieties, such as Tanenashi, need to be ripened until almost mushy to be enjoyed and are extremely sweet when fully ripe.

Hunters will appreciate improved native persimmon varieties like Deer Candy and Deer Magnet, which are excellent for attracting wildlife. These varieties are also suitable for human consumption but are usually used to attract deer in the fall with their sugary goodness. Persimmon trees are a sustainable and rewarding choice, providing delicious fruit with minimal care for years to come.

Tailored Gifts for Garden Enthusiasts

Keep in mind that the avid gardener likely already has an extensive collection of plants and garden preferences. It can be difficult to come up with the perfect gift for the gardener who already has established tastes. If this is the case, I would encourage you to have a discussion with the person you want to get something for to see what they might be interested in at that time. Sometimes you might find they would prefer some gardening supplies like nice garden labels, a new pair of pruners, or some new substrate to freshen up their containers.

You might be surprised at what they want. Some may be happier with a load of manure than you would ever imagine. After all, one person's "crappy" gift is another gardener's treasure! However, be sure to use aged manure, as fresh manure can cause complications in the garden. Manure helps improve soil structure, increases water retention, and promotes healthy plant growth. Compost is another excellent option, offering similar benefits and being equally valued by gardeners. Rich in organic matter, compost can boost soil fertility, support beneficial microorganisms, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Both manure and compost are sustainable choices that contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem.

For a truly tailored touch, consider gifting personalized gardening accessories like a custom-embroidered garden apron, gloves, or a hat. A sturdy garden apron with multiple pockets can help keep tools handy and clothes clean, while adding a monogram or name makes it uniquely theirs. High-quality gardening gloves protect hands from thorns and rough soil, and can also be customized with their initials. A wide-brimmed hat provides essential sun protection during long hours in the garden and can be personalized with a fun design or their name. These thoughtful, tailor-made accessories not only enhance the gardening experience but also show that you’ve put extra thought into their gift.

When all else fails, if you know their favorite nurseries, see if you can get a gift card to them so they can pick out their plants or new tools as they need them. A thoughtful conversation can ensure your gift is both appreciated and useful, enhancing their gardening experience for the long term.

Summary

In conclusion, fruit trees, soil amendments, or garden accessories make wonderful holiday gifts that can bring joy and productivity to any gardener's life. Whether you choose citrus, pecans, blackberries, or persimmons, each tree offers unique benefits and long-term rewards. By considering the recipient's gardening habits and preferences, you can select a gift that will be cherished for years to come. Remember, a thoughtful conversation can go a long way in ensuring your gift is both meaningful and appreciated.

This holiday season, give the gift of growth and abundance with a beautiful fruit tree, enrich their soil with high-quality manure or compost, or enhance their gardening experience with personalized accessories like custom-embroidered aprons, gloves, or hats. These thoughtful, tailor-made items not only improve their gardening experience but also show that you’ve put extra thought into their gift. Together, these gifts can make the holiday season truly special for the gardeners in your life.