Pleasing the gardener

1. Home entertainment: If you can't go there, at least transport your favourite gardener to famous gardens around the world with a DVD. Try the Special Tribute Edition of Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn ($18.32 and up, plus shipping; available through sellers at www.amazon.ca) or the four-DVD set called Great Gardens of England ($26.99; www.amazon.ca). If your garden lover is less of a dreamer, opt for Penelope Hobhouse's The Art and Practice of Gardening ($21.24; www.amazon.ca) or if they're a budding rosarian, try Secrets of the Rose Gardener ($14.95; www.leevalley.com)

2. Adopt a wild bird: Should the gardener on your list also be a bird lover, consider a donation to Bird Studies Canada where you can adopt a wild bird through their Project Recovery program. You will receive an adoption certificate with a colour photograph of the bird species you have chosen, details of the banding of a real bird captured at BSC's Long Point Bird Observatory on the north shore of Lake Erie, and information about the species. Learn more about this project by contacting Bird Studies Canada through their website at www.bsc-eoc.org.

3. Splish splash or sit a while: If the gardener you know favours natural stone over fancy statuary, then think about purchasing one of Scott Switzer's unique rock creations that will blend seamlessly into less formal landscapes. See a selection of his pieces at www.you-rock. bravehost. comor arrange to visit him at his studio in Bloomfield (call ahead at 613-393-1908). Prices vary (usually from $300 to $500) and delivery with on site setup is also available.

4. Bogs and boots: Lee Valley certainly knows how to brighten up dreary days in the garden. Their high bogs boots have been available for a few years, while their ankle shoes have been a stalwart friend of mine through many mucky months. Now the colder temperatures are here to stay, I've discovered the true value of this colourful footwear. They are waterproof and keep all toes cosy down to - 40 C. Find your nearest retailer at www.bogsfootwear.com.Call your local retailer for Canadian prices for the colourful variations or stick with basic black available at Lee Valley, 1090 Morrison Dr. (www.leevalley.com). The black ankle boots are $49; the higher black boots are $74.