Garden centers, plant nurseries and our favorite shops are adorned with tinsel, fairy lights and baubles of all shapes, colors and size. Gifts ranging from practical tools to extravagant gardening paraphernalia tempt us to be put on the wish list.

In her book “Green Thoughts,” Eleanor Perenyi makes a statement that is food for thought. “Of all implements, those used in gardening have changed the least.” It all boils down to the matter of form following function, and since the functions have changed little, so have the forms.

The moral of the story is a good quality tool lasts for many, many years. A trowel may be a trowel, but what we look for as our garden years add up are the tools with comfort grip handles or ones that are ergonomically designed.

The same goes for a shovel. They all perform the same task, but user height should be considered. If the gardener is short, the shovel or spade height (including blade and handle) should be 42 to 45 inches tall. For 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-9 gardeners, the tool should be 46 to 49 inches. For 5-foot-10 to 6-foot-3 gardeners, the tool should be 50 to 53 inches.

As a short gardener, I am lucky enough to own a short shovel. I keep it under lock and key and treat it to Minwax rub every fall.

I did my yearly look-see at local nurseries and found more than enough items to add to my Christmas wish list.

I never thought of the versatility of hedge shears. Without a hedge, I’d never given them a second thought. Now I know whenever I get around to planting clumps of ornamental grass, I will invest in a pair to use for the yearly trim. The 9-inch blade would certainly be more efficient than using my handheld clippers. I also have a large bed of the perennial artemisia that would be much easier to maintain with hedge shears.

Good garden gloves are essential year-round when you think of all the chores they are required to protect us from: planting, raking, pruning thorny plants and let’s not forget moving rocks. You can expect a price range of $15 to $35 for long-lasting gloves. For the casual gardener, you can find a price point of under $10.

The Christmas Room at Landsystems Nursery offers tree ornament selections that can easily compete with or even surpass selections found at Molbak’s Garden and Home in Woodinville, Washington, or at Bachman’s in Minneapolis. Schedule enough time to really appreciate the collections.

The metal farm animals in the barnyard corral at Eastside Nursery have fascinated me for several years. They are brightly painted and rather primitive in construction. I finally asked for the story. The animals are made from scrap metal found in Mexican villages. Each village has a specific animal it is known for. The animals always give me a good smile, and it was fun to hear the story behind the creativity. Think about it — the animals are a great solution for a gardener who wants farm animals. These can be enjoyed without the upkeep and the monthly expense.

If you are looking for the elusive pink flamingos, you will find them at Moonfire and Sun Garden Center. You’ll also find an extensive collection of laser-cut ornamental metal birds ready to perch in your landscape. Bonsai plants are sometimes hard to find, as are the bonsai figurines to enhance the container. I was taken with the blooming azalea and an elegant Hawaiian umbrella tree. You can also enjoy original art from local artists in cards and postcards at Moonfire and Cascade Gardens.

As I walked into the garden room at Cascade Gardens, the resident cat let me know in no uncertain terms what a special haven it was to enjoy peace and quiet. You will find a plethora of low- to medium-light house plants from hanging baskets to lush potted plants that could easily be classified as living sculptures. You’ll also find ferns, bromeliads and an extensive collection of succulents, including succulent wreaths and displays of the popular tillandsia (air plants). I was especially taken with the Blue Elf aloe that is getting ready to bloom. I may have to give myself a Christmas present.

For the do-it-yourself crafter, I have had two projects on the bucket list that I hope to try soon.

One is chalkboard terra-cotta planters — a coat of chalkboard paint on a terra-cotta pot allows you to write the plant’s identity on the pot. Paint the pot, plant it up, then label it, and you have made an unusual gift for a sunny window sill. The second project is a little more involved, but the end result will be more unique. The idea was pulled out of a Country Living magazine several years ago as a suggestion for inventive wall art.

Patents for all kinds of fascinating innovations, such as vintage garden tools, are available, free, at google.com/patents. Download the images of choice on a USB drive. A copy shop can print them on the paper size of choice. The article I saved featured 2-by-3-foot posters framed in a simple black frame. You could certainly choose a much smaller size.

I spent more time than I should have researching garden tools from the 1930s. It even prompted me to order a book titled “Illustrated History of Gardening” by Anthony Huxley.

Are you living with the ultimate seeker of botanical knowledge? Does the dinner conversation always involve the “I wonder” or “what if” questions? Maybe it is time for a gift certificate for the OSU Master Gardener training classes. Classes are held over a 10-week period beginning in January. For tuition and registration information, go to extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes or call OSU Extension at 541-548-6088.

Providing a memorable Christmas for a gardener could be easier than you thought. We are really easy to please.

— Reporter: douville@bendbroadband.com