If you haven't browsed the ceramic containers recently, you are missing some really interesting accents for home and patio! Today's artists are now producing intriguing clay and ceramic pots with imaginatively painted leaf designs and imprints. Some pots have small insects, butterflies, frogs and toads that have been added somewhere - most are sculpted additions, some are painted on the containers. Want moss? We have containers that have "artificial moss" - perfect for indoors.

And what better to compliment these artistic container renderings than a small ceramic toad or frog to sit patiently by… waiting for the first insect to move into range? Garden themes are moving inside, and ceramic dragonflies and butterflies are available to add to a wall arrangement made of our beautiful raised-flower wall tiles. Or maybe you might want to just dangle a metal insect sculpture near the kitchen window or in an atrium room. So many of these items will make wonderful all-year-round gifts and a reminder of your garden friendship.

Do you need some little thoughtful gifts for that someone special - or to tie onto a gift certificate envelope? Here are a couple of much overlooked (but very much appreciated) ideas that will absolutely delight the gardener in your life.

Plant markers are always appreciated. We have aluminum markers (50 in a box), stakes with metal tags, plastic plant markers, and elaborate metal stakes for that prized rose or plant that is the garden "highlight." Gardeners can never have too many of this item! And what about vine tape, vine nails, and stretch tie for those garden plants that need a bit of taming? Or how about a pretty trellis for a spring-blooming vine? You might want to tie a gift certificate to the trellis so your gardener can select a new plant, too!

Gloves. A gardener can never have too many pairs of gloves. They get dirty; they get washed. Sometimes they get lost or worn out. The Mud Glove is great for those avid gardeners who don't let a little bit of precipitation keep them out of their flower beds! Mud Gloves are washable and come in many colors.

Pruning shears. Good pruning shears are a must and a delight - especially for a rose gardener. We have different types to choose from, to suit all different gardening needs. A folding garden saw is a compact and wonderfully-useful addition to any Gardener's "tool box."

For your favorite container gardeners - add 'Soil Moist' granules to your gift list. Add a small amount of these granules into the soil to absorb and release water in a flower pot and alleviate some extra watering trips to keep plants moist. Great invention!

Our trees are shipped straight to us by a grower we have used for years. As soon as they arrive, we make a ¼-inch cut across the trunk base to improve water absorption. We then carefully spray each tree with an anti-transpirant product. This seals the foliage to help it stay green and moist. Each North Haven tree is individually displayed in its own pail of water. So, selection is easy - and pleasurable.

We will have many different varieties to select from this year including the Noble Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, and Grand Fir, all of which are premium-grade trees. Come browse the trees when they arrive late November. You will certainly find the perfect tree for your holiday season here at North Haven Gardens.

To prolong the life of your tree, remember that trees absorb several quarts of water each week. Add water to their containers regularly. Situate your tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters, and televisions. Before you begin to trim your tree, be certain to check the light strands for frayed or broken strands and missing light bulbs. And if you have a curious cat or a rambunctious pup running about, you might want to secure the top of your tree to a ceiling beam or hook - "just in case…"

More and more people are returning to fresh-cut trees every year. The wonderful fragrance of a fresh tree enhances the holiday spirit. It will linger for many years to come with the many pleasant memories you create this season.