LADYBUG: BUYING GIFTS FOR GARDENERS A BREEZE

It is easy to shop for gardeners' gifts to be placed under the Christmas tree. They are probably the easiest of all people on the Christmas list because most of them have such a variety of interests. There is no end to the list of possibilities.

There are always so many new books, magazines, tools, gardening equipment, bird feeders, trees, shrubs, roses and many, many items for those interested in nature and growing plants, both inside and outside. Gardeners always are interested in learning what is new in the gardening world.

New gardening magazines make ideal gifts for both experienced and beginning gardeners. First, a new one, "Birds & Blooms," which "bloomed" in 1995. It is filled with the most beautiful pictures, including many full-page layouts of landscapes, birds, butterflies, garden flowers, wildflowers and children enjoying nature.

It contains many garden hints from readers, short stories and timely articles. Many illustrations are of children enjoying nature.

Because it is so colorful and so easily read and handled, it is an ideal gift for older people or those who have limited reading ability.

The new magazine, a Reiman publication, joins other popular ones, such as Reminisce, Taste of Home, Country, Country Woman, Farm & Ranch, and Crafting Traditions.

Another new magazine is Garden Gate, which is an illustrated guide to home gardening and designing. It gives detailed instructions on basics, the natural garden, indoor gardening and all types of plants.

There are many, many gardening and bird magazines now on the market, including National Gardener, Organic Gardening, Horticulture, Flower and Gardening, and other older ones. Better Homes and Gardens now has an expanded gardening section, and Southern Living (we are subscribers since its first publication) has wonderful, timely garden articles.

A field bird guide or bird identification book also make excellent gifts.

Bird feeders come in a wide arrangement. A classic thistle feeder will draw goldfinch and sometimes pine siskins. Also, a thistle stocking, or a pound or so of thistle seed, makes a welcome gift.

Window feeders that stick on the glass are popular for cardinals, chickadees and titmice. There are many post feeders available, and some of them claiming to be squirrel proof. "Claiming" is the word used, but it was our experience that there was practically no way the squirrels could be kept away from the feeders at our former home. Of course, there were trees there.

Suet feeders attract all of the different species of woodpeckers, the hairy, downy and ladder-backed. One can buy or make suet from fats from the kitchen, with cornmeal, nuts, raisins and cereals, such as oatmeal and cream of wheat added. All birds like peanut butter. It can be mixed with shortening and spread along the bark of trees.

There are sundials, heated birdbaths, seed scoops and dispensers, outdoor thermometers and many items to make your yard attractive for your family and also the birds.

If the gardener is in need or would like, there are many new tools on the market, especially a wider variety of hoes, such as a diamond scuffle hoe, short-handled swan neck hoe and a narrow lady's hoe.

There are special pruners for those having problems with repetitive motions. Also, special trimmers and clippers are on the market.

If there is a flower arranger on your list, there are wonderful kits, foam bases, wire, baskets, ceramic containers and beautiful, expensive vases to hold the finished products.

If you have an abundance of greenery, such as yew, boxwood or holly, maybe a small basket of greenery would be a welcomed gift to an apartment dweller. Who would not welcome the fresh aroma of newly cut greens?

For a shut-in a small Norfolk Island Pine might substitute for a small Christmas tree. It originated in Europe where it is grown in greenhouses and used as a houseplant. One year we decorated one with red birds and used it in the garden room. Now, red birds (the gift of a friend) and plastic icicles decorate the first Christmas tree in years.

A good gardening book makes an excellent Christmas gift. It might be a basic one, such as the "Ortho Guide to Basic Gardening," or a specialty on "Daffodils for American Gardens" by Brent and Becky Heath.

Gifts from the garden and from your kitchen make a big hit. There are pickles, relishes, jams, jellies, dried herbs, homemade breads and cookies.

There is no end of sharing -- and of the joy of giving -- at Christmas time.

~Mary Blue is a resident of Cape Girardeau and an avid gardener.