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Garden

Season's greetings, senior citizens

Companies are catering to the needs of the older gardener, so start making that wish list.

By YVONNE SWANSON
Published November 26, 2005

	[Photo: Gardenscape Tools]
	The Garden Kneeler/Seat is versatile. Use it to kneel, or flip it over and convert it into a bench. It also has handles for support.

It's going to be a colorful holiday season for gardeners. That's because garden tool and supply companies have developed brightly colored items especially for older adults. Unlike traditional tools with dark green or black handles, which are easy to misplace, these bright tools are hard to miss.

From high-tech gloves to tools with lightweight, padded handles, there's a variety of products that will keep gardening fun for the older generation.

Here are gift suggestions for the seniors on your shopping list:

- A bright-colored water bottle. It's important to drink plenty of fluids when working in the sun. This goes double for seniors, who can be more susceptible to heat exhaustion. A high-quality plastic water bottle that withstands heat and sun and is dishwasher safe is a good choice. Shop local sporting goods stores for Nalgene 32-ounce plastic bottles $9.50 in a bright-pink ladybug or purple hibiscus design. Or order online at www.nalgene-outdoor.com (toll-free 1-800-625-4327). Free shipping.

- Garden gloves. Look for gardening gloves in local garden centers and discount stores. If arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or hand pain is a concern, there are specially engineered gloves that help protect and support hands while reducing blistering and hand fatigue.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends Extended Wear Bionic Gardening Gloves, which were developed by a hand surgeon. The manufacturer sells them for $39.95 at www.bionicgloves.com toll-free 1-877-524-6642, but they're a few dollars less at other online garden retailers, including www.handhelpers.com ($36.95) (toll-free 1-888-632-7091) and www.gardenscapetools.com (toll-free 1-888-472-3266).

- A colorful watering can. OXO's new Good Grips Indoor Pour & Store plastic watering can $14.99 comes in yellow, blue, orange and green. A soft, nonslip handle makes watering houseplants, window boxes and container gardens easy. A removable attachment creates a finer, more delicate spray for watering roses. It should be available by Dec. 5 at www.oxo.com (toll-free 1-800-545-4411).

- A pair of athletic shoes or work boots. Because many older adults have difficulty with balance, it's important to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes in the garden. Gardening clogs are nice, but they won't provide the support seniors need. If you don't know the size, give a gift certificate to an athletic shoe or sporting goods store.

- A tool set. Gardenscape Tools (www.gardenscapetools.com toll-free 1-888-472-3266 offers several packaged gift sets starting at $39. The Helping Hands Gift Set ($49) for gardeners with arthritis includes an ergonomic trowel, wrist wrap and hand therapy mitt for soothing aching hands. An Easy Does It gift package includes Fiskars loop handle bypass pruners, cultivator and trowels; plus a gel-filled kneeling pad ($65). The Extended Garden Gift Set ($85) comes with telescopic hand tools for gardeners who have trouble bending or need to work from a sitting position.

- A garden cart/seat combo that can hold tools and provide an elevated place to sit. If possible, try it out in the store to make sure it's easy to pull and maneuver. Or shop online.

Seniors Superstores (www.seniorssuperstores.com 843-421-3766 offers the Grass Hopper ($36.95) seat on wheels with a large storage compartment, a 12-ounce beverage hold, built-in handle and wide poly wheels that roll smoothly on grass or sidewalks. If it's easier to kneel, there's a Garden Kneeler/Seat ($36.95) with handles for support.

- A tool set for container gardening. Experts recommend that older gardeners try container and raised bed gardening, which eliminate the strain of bending and kneeling. Smaller, lightweight tools with comfortable, nonslip grips are ideal. OXO's bright blue Container Garden Set $39.99 includes a lightweight caddy filled with compact, easy-to-use tools. Find it at local retailers or online at www.oxo.com (toll-free 1-800-545-4411).

- A basket of items for sun and insect protection. A large-brimmed hat and suntan lotion are necessities in Florida. Add insect repellent spray, lotion or wipes and your gardener will be ready for a safe day outdoors. Look for these products at drug, grocery and discount stores.

- Garden-themed jewelry, key rings and push-pins. Shop at local gift stores and jewelers for a variety of whimsical, garden-inspired items. Gardening catalogs and Web sites are good sources, too. Gardenscape (www.gardenscapetools.com toll-free 1-888-472-3266 donates $5 to horticultural therapy groups (including seniors' gardening programs) for every $10 pewter watering can lapel pin sold.

- A handmade gift certificate offering your help in the garden. It could be a morning of weeding, planting, mulching or watering. Add a bag lunch and have a picnic afterward.

- An indoor dish garden. If the seniors on your list enjoy gardening but can't work outdoors, a tropical dish or herb garden for a windowsill lets them enjoy their hobby from the comfort of home. Check local garden centers and discount retailers.

- Yvonne Swanson is a freelance writer in St. Petersburg and a master gardener for Pinellas County.

[Last modified November 25, 2005, 09:00:07]