One of best things about being a Dad is spending time with your kids, especially when an activity is made even better by sharing a personal passion with them. In my case, as with many other Dads, a keenness for gardening is towards the top of this list. I mean seriously now, just like Moms at Mother’s Day, us Dads like plants, flowers and gardening just as much! Helping your kids find love and respect for everything in nature is essential, and enjoying time together outdoors is of the upmost importance. Pulling the modern child away from a screen can be challenging (trust me, I get it), but after some gentle coaxing, and sometimes simple bribery, you can get your son(s) and/or daughter(s) outside to spend some quality time in the garden.
All father figures are a bit different of course, but over my 30+ years running garden centers there are certainly some things that Dads tend to gravitate towards in the garden center. I would never presume to stereotype all of us into liking some or all of the same things, but I quite frankly would take (hint, hint to my boys!) just about any garden treasure, as many of you likely would too. Having said that, here are some things I think most Dads would definitely enjoy…
Japanese Maples: These trees can be found in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and styles – kind of like father figures right? If he likes maples there is one or more guaranteed to catch his fancy. From interesting weeping laceleaf maples to tall stately specimens and everything in between, there are Japanese maples for every man (or woman for that matter). Out of space, like me? Then get him a sturdy, frost-proof pot to plant his new treasure in, as the pot can be placed anywhere to enjoy. The more pots the merrier, says this gardener, as there is always room for just one more somewhere.
Dwarf Conifers: Slow-growing and colorful, the varying textures of dwarf conifers are wonderful additions to any garden setting that has some sun and good drainage. There are many worthy candidates to explore, offering different shades of green, bright yellows, blues, and even some that will turn bright colors in colder winter months. At your local garden center ask a Certified Professional Horticulturist for some advice in selecting the perfect one for your Dad, and you will find a plant that will give decades of enjoyment and will mature into an excellent specimen.
Statuary: A unique piece of garden art is an excellent way for any father figure to advertise their own style in the landscape. You can find beautiful garden art at many garden centers, especially long-lasting metal or cast stone pieces. Fun and even whimsical pieces can be found to match any Dad’s taste too. Maybe a new bench with a trophy fish design for the fisherman? A new pagoda for a Japanese themed garden? Perhaps a fun face that makes him smile whenever he sees it? A cool bird bath or bird house to enjoy? A huge Golf Ball for a golfing Dad (and yes, I have 3 of these)? Go out and explore your options with him as there is plenty out there to choose from.
Tools: We always need a good tool to help make projects easier in the garden, a gift made even better when the children offer to help Dad, right? There are many great options for tools, so check out his stash and see what is missing, or which ones have been “well loved” and need to be replaced. Quality pruners, a pocket saw, a Hori Hori garden knife, a good sharpener - all things a gardening Dad would love. Perhaps even a super useful shovel like the Root Slayer from Radius – a must have for any digging project. There is always a digging fork as well, an easy tool I wish all gardeners utilized.
Fountains: Simply put, nothing is more peaceful than the sound of water in your outdoor spaces. By adding a stunning water feature like a fountain, you are sure to please any Dad, and the entire family for that matter. Fountains are easy, durable and many these days have modern LED lighting built right in, as well as power-efficient, magnet driven pumps. Shop around with Dad for one he likes and help him set it up on the patio, deck, porch or in the landscape. The sound and action of the water will mesmerize all who see it and attract desirable wildlife, like hummingbirds.
A Tree/Shrub Just for Dad: As we head into the hopefully warmer month of June, there are some great trees and shrubs that are blooming around Father’s Day. It might be fun to head to the local garden center and pick out a plant with Dad, something that will grow and mature like kids do, and remind everyone Father’s Day is here with its flowers, year after year. Korean Dogwoods, Japanese Snowbells, Hydrangeas, Roses, and many other worthy June-bloomers could be planted in honor of Father’s Day. A plant from you, just for your Dad, now that is special!
It is only fair that we honor all of our father figures each year, just as we did our Mothers in May. Both Moms and Dads can love plants and all the wonderful chores that gardening necessitates, well maybe not all, but most of them…. As a Dad of two great young boys, I hope my own non-stop chattering about plants, insects, and soils will sink in and they, green thumbs in tow, will end up doing the same for their children someday - just as my Dad did for me many moons ago. So let’s go Dads, grab your kids and visit your local garden center this weekend to celebrate Father’s Day. There will certainly be a gardening treasure worthy of adding to your landscape, and picking it out together will make it even more special. Happy Father’s Day!
