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Gift Ideas For Gardeners And Green Living

Air Date:
Heard On The Larry Meiller Show

Who’s on your holiday gift list? If you have gardeners or people interested in sustainable living to buy for, tune in for great ideas for all budgets.

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  • Gift Ideas For Gardening And Sustainable Living

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    It can be satisfying to give gifts over the holidays that will really be appreciated and used. It’s even better when those gifts help protect the environment through eco-friendly and sustainable living.

    Each year, sisters Astrid and Sonya Newenhouse compile a list of gifts that not only fit those criteria, but also highlight local Wisconsin businesses and organic products.

    Given their backgrounds, it’s not surprising that they can put together so many great ideas, and with so many options for a range of budgets. Sonya is an “Eco Entrepreneur”: She founded Madison Environmental Group and currently serves as president of both NewenHouse and Community Car, LLC. Astrid is a senior scientist in the Environmental Resources Center and the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is also working with the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program through the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

    One strategy for gifts the sisters endorse is to go the home-made route. They recommend using Pinterest to get ideas for homemade gifts such as stakes, stools, twig trellises, garden record books, jam, potpourri, wreaths, soap, tinctures, note cards, bird treats and ornaments.

    They also endorse the simple act of giving “the gift of time,” or in other words certificates for chores and services. Those could include snow-shoveling, tool sharpening, raking, visits to botanic gardens, hauling mulch or compost, building a raised bed or trellis, preparing a garden bed, or even giving a massage.

    The sisters also recommend checking out food and craft fairs held around the holidays. In southwest Wisconsin, there’s the Viroqua Food Coop Holiday Open House, for example. Then Sonya herself is giving a tour of her “superinsulated sustainable home,” the NewenHouse. The tour will be on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. on 422 Hickory St. in Viroqua. Sonya says that children are welcome, and that people should contact her with question about the event.

    Now, time to delve into Sonya and Astrid’s epic holiday list. Scroll on through, or click the following links to jump straight to any of the following categories: gifts under $10, gifts $10-25, gifts $25-50, gifts $50-100, gifts $100 or more, books and magazines, classes, and other sites to look through. Also, feel free to contact the sisters themselves with questions.

    Gifts Under $10

    • Mason jar and Ball jar accessories. Lehman’s has a wide assortment of lids, clamps and other tools to browse through, as does Ball. Also, check out this bento box-inspired adaptor for separating foods in a mason jar, as well as this tool for flower arranging.
    • Q Knot reusable cable ties. Handy for staking tomatoes or trellises. Get it from the Home Depot, the Container Store, or a local hardware store.
    • Foam ties. These ties are soft and spongy on the outside, but have wire in the inside. They can be used to stake plants. Get it from Gardener’s Supply.Panetta
      Mason jars make for versatile gifts. Photo: Chlot’s Run (CC-BY-SA).
    • Twine gift pack. It includes eight colorful spools of jute twine. Get it at Gardener’s Supply.
    • Herbsicle. Use this tool to preserve, freeze, and dispense herbs. Get it from Gardener’s Supply.
    • Easy-Turn tap grip. A grip that snaps on to a faucet handle and makes twisting easier. Get it from Lee Valley.
    • Nail brush. There are all different types, some whimsical and some kitschy. Check out this eco-friendly one from Amazon.
    • “Pesticide free zone” sign. These are for lawn or yard, and have a picture of either a ladybug or honey bee. Get one at Beyond Pesticides.
    • Bulbs. Get amaryllis, tulip, hyacinth, and narcissus bulbs for indoors. Jungs is one option, or check out other gardening stores.
    • Bayfield Apple Butter and Pear Butter. These food products are Wisconsin-made from Bayfield Apple Co.
    • Tape measure. Get a good quality measure for home or field. Home Depot has some offerings for under $10.
    • Organic seeds. Get these from Fedco Seeds Co-Op, Seed Savers Exchange, or Johnny’s Selected Seeds.
    • Garden gloves. Good choices are ones that are nitrile, flexible, or cushioned. Get some that are designed for women at Womanswork.
    • Winter work gloves. These are insulated with latex grip coating. Get them at Gardener’s Supply. Panetta
      Amaryllis bulb. Photo: QUOI Media Group (CC-BY-SA).
    • Reusable bags. Check out the ones made by Generation Me, a Janesville-based line of eco-friendly products. Cloth sandwich, snack and produce bags are available on its Etsy page.
    • Apostle Islands sea cave calendar. This 22” x 28” calendar from the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey features photos of the caves, as well as an 1918 soils map of northern Wisconsin featuring the islands. Check it out here.
    • Wisconsin bumper stickers. Offerings from the Wisconsin Historical Society include “UFF-DA,” and “If you love someone, get them cheese.” Check them out here.
    • Antler whistle. These whistles are made of whitetail deer antlers. Get them from the Wisconsin Historical Society.

    Gift Ideas $10-25

    Gift Ideas $25-50

    Gift Ideas $50-100

    • EarthBox system. A self-contained, “maintenance free” plant growing system. Check out systems for sale here.
    • Swing-arm bird feeder. This is possible through a two-part purchase: First, a swing-arm hanger, and second, a globe bird feeder, both from Plow and Hearth.
    • Weed torch. A small flame thrower for weed control. Check out this model at Gardener’s Edge.
    • Rain Chains. These fixtures are both decorative and practical, guiding water down from gutters as a downspout would. Check out the varieties available at Wind and Weather.
    • Colorful rubber hose. Pick out a rubber hose from one of six different color choices. Get it from Gardener’s Supply.Panetta
      Rain chains function like downspouts. Photo: Chalm Zvi (CC-BY-SA).
    • Beginner’s home canning kit. Comes with a black canner pot, jars, a funnel and more. Get it from Lehman’s.
    • Food dehydrator. You can find one at local housewares stores, or at online houseware and garden stores. Here’s a popular Newsco model from Home Depot.
    • Outdoor furniture covers. These help keep your furniture safe from the elements. Check out what Plow and Hearth has to offer.
    • Crocks. Get a glazed stoneware crock by Rowe Pottery in Wisconsin. Here’s one with a cow pattern on it, and another that can be personalized.
    • Log teepee campfire grate. This helps keep firewood in an upright, “teepee” position. Get it from WisconsinMade.
    • Garden scoot. These small wagon-like product comes with a swiveling tractor seat, perfect for people who want to sit while they garden. Get one from Gardener’s Supply.
    • UGG Australia shearling earmuffs with built-in headphones. Check out this unique accessory at Herrington.
    • Nylon hammock. These light, breathable hammocks are generally $60 and up and available at camping and sporting goods stores. Check out this one from REI.

    Gift Ideas $100 or more

    • Faribault wool blankets. Check out what this Minnesota company has to offer.
    • Broadfork. Also known as a “u-bar digger,” this tool is handy for loosening and aerating soil. Get it from Lee Valley, or choose one of the many that Johnny’s Selected Seeds has available.
    • All-terrain landscapers wagon. A steel cart that’s well-suited for moving around large numbers of plants or heavy materials. Get it from Gardener’s Supply.
    • Beekeeping starter kit. This package includes all you need to start a colony in your backyard. Get it from Mann Lake.
    • Easy-Plant planter. A tool for large-scale gardens and farms. Order this product, which is accompanied with a video, from Johnny’s Selected Seeds.
    • Electric garden trimmers. Check out an electric string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and pole saw from Gardener’s Edge.
    • Mehu-Liisa steamer/juicer. This kitchen appliance from Finland can juice fruits and berries, and can also blanche and steam vegetables and seafood. Get if from Amazon or from Lee Valley.Panetta
      Broadfork. Photo: John Rife (CC-BY-SA).
    • Lawn mower. Look into buying either a push, reel or electric mower. For electric mowers, Ego models are endorsed by the sisters.
    • Standing raised garden bed. These elevated beds make plants easier to access. Get one from Gardener’s Supply.
    • Ilse Jacobson rubber boots. These tall, black boots from Denmark are made from a natural, sustainably harvested rubber, and not from Petroleum byproducts. Get them from Design Menagerie.
    • Rain barrels. Collect rainwater runoff to use in your garden, as a method of conservation. Both Gardener’s Supply and Clean Air Gardening offer a number of these.
    • Scythes. A handy tool for cutting grass by hand. Check out the scythes and blades offered at Scythe Supply, a site run by “scythe enthusiasts,” and be sure to watch their videos too.
    • Moonlight Gathering Fire Ring. This steel fire ring features intricate cuts of pine trees, and fauna like Moose, deer and wolves. Get it at WisconsinMade.
    • Chicken coop. There are a number of places to buy one — Clean Air Gardening offers a few models.

    Guides, Books and Magazines

    • “Field Guide to Wisconsin Streams,” by Michael A. Miller, Katie Songer, and Ron Dolen. This guide covers plants, fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects and other specimens. Get it from the UW Press (published 2014; 336 pages).
    • “Field Guide to Wisconsin Grasses,” by Emmet J. Judziewicz, Robert W. Freckmann, Lynn G. Clark, and Merel R. Black. This guide covers prairie, savannas, barrens, and landscapes. Get it from the UW Press (published 2014; 356 pages).
    • “Geology of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail,” by David M. Mickelson, Louis J. Maher Jr., and Susan L. Simpson. A guide to the famous trail that meanders for 1,000 miles through the state, following the edge of Wisconsin’s last continental glacier. Get it from the UW Press (published 2011, 305 pages).
    • “Seventh Generation Earth Ethics,” by Patty Loew. This book focuses on an Ojibwe principle of thinking about how decisions will affect people seven generations into the future, Get it from the Wisconsin Historical Society (published 2014; 240 pages).
      published 2011; 272 pages).
    • “Everyday Fermentation Handbook,” by Branden Byers. This guide provides an education in fermentation, with information on microbes, fermentation basics, and ways to incorporate fermentation into everyday life. Order the book at Byers’ website or Amazon (published 2014; 192 pages).Panetta

    • “Fermented Vegetables,” by Kirsten and Christopher Shockey. This book has more than 120 recipes for fermenting 64 different kinds of vegetables. Get it from Amazon (published 2014; 396 pages).
    • “Farmstead Chef,” by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko. This book translates “traditional farmstead cooking skills” for home kitchens anywhere. Learn more about the book and order a copy here (published 2011; 256 pages).
    • “Farm-Fresh and Fast,” by the FairShare CSA Coalition. This cookbook comes with handy illustrations and guides for preparing vegetables and fruits, as well as recipes for food and cocktails. Get it here (published 2013; 296 pages).
    • “The Complete Book of Home Preserving,” edited by Judi Kingry and Lauren Devine. A book from experts at Ball Home Canning Products with more than 400 recipes. Get it from Amazon (published 2006; 448 pages).
    • “Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage of Fruits & Vegetables,” by Mike and Nancy Bubel. Root cellaring is a “simple, low-cost, energy-saving way” to store fruits and vegetables by using the coolness of the earth. Get it from Amazon (published 1991; 320 pages).
    • “Landscaping with Native Plants of Wisconsin,” by Lynn M. Steiner. This book gives a comprehensive guide to more than 600 plants that are native to Wisconsin, as well as to using them in home gardening. Get it from Amazon (published 2007; 192 pages).
    • “Square Foot Gardening” by Mel Batholomew. Bartholomew’s book explores his unique gardening technique that aims to “grow more in less space.” While his website is down temporarily, get the book at Amazon (published 2013; 272 pages).
    • “EnAct: Steps to Greener Living” by Sonya Newenhouse and Leah Samson-Samuel. A book from one of the Newenhouse sisters! Get it from EnAct’s website.
    • Growing for Market magazine subscription. This trade publication for local food producers. is published bimonthly. Check it out here.
    • Mother Earth News subscription. This magazine is a guide to leading a more sustainable life. Check it out its website.
    • Mother Earth Living subscription. “America’s leading magazine about sustainable, self-reliant living” has a lot to say on green lifestyle and design. Check it out here.
    • MaryJanesFarm subscription. A magazine that offers simple solutions for everyday organic farming. Get a subscription here.
    • “Small Green Roofs,” by Nigel Dunnett, Dusty Gedge, John Little, and Edmund C. Snodgrass. A book that explores the “green roof” movement, in which roofs are used to grow vegetation. Get the book on Amazon (published 2011; 256 pages).

    Classes

    • Wisconsin Master Gardener Program. This class entails 36 hours training — the cost varies $100-$250.
    • WI Master Food Preserver classes. Find out about these three-day workshops y checking with a county UW-Extension Office.
    • Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program. Become certified and volunteer in environmental education, citizen science, stewardship through a course involving 40 hours of hands-on training and field trips. Find out more here.

    Look in your area for Folk Schools and Art Schools such as these:

    • Midwest Woodlanders Gathering. This multi-day event happens every July in Mineral Point, offering classes in building furniture, trellises, fences, and art.
    • Cheesemaking workshops from The Cheesemaker. Steve Shapson, aka The Cheesemaker, and his wife Mary Jo Shapson teach participants how to make a variety of cheeses in their home in Mequon.
    • Driftless Folk School. Half-day and full-day classes are offered in Viroqua, La Farge and Gays Mills, January through May of next year. The classes cost from $45 to $75. Topics include making garden hose, spoon carving, “roadkill 101” and alternative beekeeping.
    • Madeline Island School of the Arts. This esteemed arts and crafts school offers courses such as in watercolor painting, and nature journaling. Check out what courses they offer here.
      ​
    • Sievers School of Fiber Arts. Another renowned arts and crafts school, this one on Washington Island. Their 2015 courses aren’t yet listed, but you should check back on their website in February for a schedule here.

    Sources

    Contact Information:

Episode Credits

  • Larry Meiller Host
  • Judith Siers-Poisson Producer
  • Astrid Newenhouse Guest
  • Sonya Newenhouse Guest

Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.

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