HELP! Accidentally ruined my neighbor's garden… Need a heartfelt “I’m sorry” gift idea for a true gardening lover!

Stick to a gift card. Don’t buy any specific plants.

Please don’t pick stuff out for her. Maybe go over what she needs, offer to cover soil, fertilizer, and anything else needed, and ensure everything gets planted well. Just go all out to make the area even better than before.

@Zen
This is an extra gift, beyond the contractor’s plant replacement. Just a neighborly gesture.

Tatum said:
@Zen
This is an extra gift, beyond the contractor’s plant replacement. Just a neighborly gesture.

That’s so considerate! I’d think about what she’d want in your place. For me, just knowing someone cares and wants to work with me on it would mean a lot.

Plants are so expensive these days. I always forget how much goes into it until I’m planting!

As a newer gardener myself, I’m shocked at the costs and the work that goes into a garden. It’s nice you want to do something thoughtful, but helping her get her garden back together, especially if it took years to create, would really mean the most.

@Kim
Oh, the contractor is covering plant replacements. I just want to add a little something to show I know her time can’t be replaced.

You made a good choice. Maybe offer to help in the garden too? The time she spent building it probably means the most to her, and your help could be invaluable.

Great choice with those secateurs, OP! Do you know what kind of plants were damaged?

Aza said:
Great choice with those secateurs, OP! Do you know what kind of plants were damaged?

I’m not sure! It was a fence replacement, and there was some kind of creeping vine with orange flowers. We’re in So Cal desert.

@Tatum
Sounds like it might be a trumpet vine. Good news—they’re fast growers!

You’re a wonderful person! More people should be like you.

She’s lucky to have such a thoughtful neighbor!

Dustin said:
A Hori Hori blade or a quality canvas apron would be nice for a gardener.

Are these actual gardening tools or more for “show”?

Tatum said:

Dustin said:
A Hori Hori blade or a quality canvas apron would be nice for a gardener.

Are these actual gardening tools or more for “show”?

As a longtime gardener, I got an expensive pair of pruners as a gift, and they’re now my favorite tool. A nice pruner could be something she’d use daily, especially since Felco is known for durability.

@Denny
I have compact Felco #6 pruners, perfect for small hands and lightweight. Plus, the red handles make them hard to lose!

Consider gifting her an olive tree in a nice pot. Olive trees symbolize peace offerings, and it’s a great option if she can’t plant it right away.

This is so thoughtful of you. Come be my neighbor, please!

Gift certificates from a local nursery are a great idea. Some other thoughtful items: Seed Savers Organization membership, Rare Seeds Catalog, or a Felco pruner. Home Depot is fine for general supplies, but their plant selection can be hit-or-miss.

Gift certificate to OneGreenWorld.com—don’t try to pick out plants unless you’re sure of the exact type!