Great gifts for the gardener in you life

Long Island’s holiday season isn’t exactly conducive to gardening, but there’s no doubt your plant-loving friends will appreciate gifts that keep them connected to nature, even during the off-season. These tools, accessories and gear are sure to warm their hearts and cultivate peace, joy and gratitude.

WEEDER GLOVE SPA SET

This lovely Womanswork Heirloom Garden Weeder Glove Spa Set, designed by Oregon artist Kate Blairstone, is as pretty as it is functional. To provide for both waterproof protection and breathability, only the fingertips and palms of the form-fitting weeding gloves are coated in clear nitrile, while the remainder of their surface is left untreated for comfort and airflow. After use, the gloves can be machine washed, and your hands treated to the 6.4-ounce exfoliating soap bar made of shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil and apricot seeds. Be sure to request a matching “Thinking of You” gift card on the order page at no additional charge. $26 at womanswork.com.

LUMA KITCHEN COMPOSTER

Serious gardeners understand the beneficial effects of nutrient-rich compost on their plants' health and vigor, and folks looking to reduce their carbon footprint are typically concerned with shrinking their landfill contributions. Both camps will appreciate the Luma Kitchen Composter from Newair. About the size of a bread maker, the countertop unit dehydrates and grinds 2½ liters of kitchen scraps, reducing them to about a cup of compost-like material in a matter of hours. The resulting product can be added to a traditional compost pile or buried in the garden to enrich the soil. $399.99 at newair.com.

2-IN-1 TRIMMER

Like a long overdue haircut, neatly defined edges between lawn and garden can be transformative. Achieving them correctly, however, typically requires two bulky power tools. But Stihl’s FSA 30 2-in-1 Trimmer combines a string trimmer and blade edger in one lightweight unit that allows users to effortlessly swap between them. Its telescoping shaft and adjustable mowing head easily reach tight spaces, while an adjustable bump guard provides sharp, uniform trims. And there’s no need for fuel, as the tool uses the brand's interchangeable, rechargeable AS Battery System. $99.99 at stihlusa.com.

FERTILE MINDS PLANTERS

The Fertile Minds planters from The Unemployed Philosophers Guild are equal parts houseplant pots and conversation starters. Plant a succulent, herb, air plant or tiny cactus into one of the 3-inch-tall ceramic busts or drop a pre-planted, 2-inch pot into its opening. Then, display it on a bookshelf, nightstand or music room for decoration and literary, musical, artistic or scientific inspiration. Choose from Jane Austen, Ludwig van Beethoven, Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, Frida Kahlo, Edgar Allen Poe, William Shakespeare and Vincent van Gogh. $14.95 at philosophersguild.com.

POP-UP PLANT STAND

Perfect for starting seeds or whenever transient shelving is required, the Ferry-Morse Pop-Up Multi-Tier Plant Stand collapses after use for stashing in a closet or even under a bed. The sturdy unit, constructed of renewable bamboo, opens to stand 3 feet tall and 12 inches deep — ideal for holding seed trays and supplies in spring or displaying indoor plants year-round. $49 at ferrymorse.com.

BLACK+DECKER COMFORTPAK

Like a wearable air conditioner without a fan, the BLACK+DECKER Comfortpak helps to regulate body temperature for longer gardening stints under the hot sun. Held around the neck or upper back with a silicone strap, the lithium-ion-battery-operated unit chills a stainless steel plate that sits against the skin and provides 7 hours of cooling on a single charge. A flick of a switch converts the device into a heater for warmth when shoveling snow, skiing or enjoying other winter activities. $99.99; blackanddecker.com

PATIO PROPANE HEATER

Chilly days or evenings won’t keep your garden-loving friends from the great outdoors if you gift them the Hampton Bay 4800-BTU Patio Propane Heater. The portable, stainless-steel heater is strong enough to cover 215 square feet, packing enough power to warm everyone around the patio table. With corrosion-resistant burners, an electronic ignitor and tip-over safety protection feature, it’s also equipped with wheels so it can be moved around as needed. Runs on a standard 20-pound propane tank, sold separately. $99.97 at homedepot.com.

FRESH-CUT FLOWERS TOTE

Some folks bring wine to dinner parties, while others carry dessert. But those bringing flowers from their gardens must figure out how to transport them without damage. The wearable, cone-shaped, cotton Fresh-Cut Flowers Tote from Uncommon Goods protects delicate stems and blossoms along their journey (or home from the market). A cotton tie holds flowers in place, and two backpack-type straps keep hands free. And when it gets dirty, the tote can be tossed into the washer. $15 at uncommongoods.com.

GARDEN MEMBERSHIPS

A peaceful walk in nature can calm the mind and energize the body. Fortunately, Long Island is home to more than a dozen botanic gardens and arboretums, and several offer annual memberships with benefits ranging from free admission to discounted meals and invitations to special events. Consider Landcraft Garden Foundation in Mattituck, bit.ly/3ANRyPL; Bailey Arboretum in Locust Valley, baileyarboretum.org/membership; Bridge Gardens in Southampton, bit.ly/3Z1EHms;  Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson, clarkbotanic.org/shop; Madoo in Sagaponack, madoo.org/membership; North Shore Land Alliance, multiple locations, northshorelandalliance.org/gift-membership; or Old Westbury Gardens, oldwestburygardens.org/membership.