Working the Garden

• The first thing you must consider is the work done in the garden. Your gardener friend might have a full stock of tools, but does he have a tool belt with a holster for sheers? Perhaps a soft kneeling-cushion would ease achy knees. Check out his old equipment. Does he need new work gloves? A new sprinkler or hose-head with several settings might also be something your gardener does not even know he needs.
  
  

The Garden Itself

• Solar-powered pathway lights let you light the garden at night.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  The garden might not have much space for anything that is not a vegetable or flower, but there are some things that make it look good, whatever the size. Heavy decorative figurines come in many styles -- from the popular garden gnome to frogs and squirrels. Your gardener might appreciate stylish bricks or stones to create a pathway or landing spot. Delicate plants such as tomatoes, peppers and spinach also need cages or stakes.
  
  

Afterward

• Veggie preparation is tough work. Vegetables require washing and often peeling and chopping. Things such as strainers, peelers or even a recipe book might help with the prep work that is required before the products of the garden can be consumed. Consider giving your gardening friend a set of sharp knives (or a sharpener for his old ones). What does your gardener grow and how does he eat it? Shish kabobs, grill brushes or other grilling items might be in order.
  
  

Other Items

• Maybe all a gardner needs is a wide-brimmed hat.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  What is the gardener's style? How does he garden? Maybe he listens to baseball games while weeding; in that case, a new pair of headphones or mobile radio may be the way to go. He could also need a new gardening flannel or pair of sunglasses. Does he compost? Your gardener friend could be a lover of the outdoors. Perhaps a hummingbird feeder would bring welcome company.