DIY Garden Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Succulents have made a comeback, no doubt because they are easy to maintain. With so many shapes and deep hues to choose from, these pretty plants make lovely hostess gifts. Plant them in mettalic containers and surround with greenery for an attractive centerpiece. Purchase three different types of succulents and plant in matching pots for a windowsill display. Or tie a scarf or scrap of holiday fabric around the planter for instant style.

Simple terra cotta pots are inexpensive and easy to paint. They also withstand winter temperatures. To make a terra cotta Christmas tree, brush
a mixture of baking powder and water over the sides to create the look of aged
patina. Paint the rims with a coat of chalk paint and embellish with bright sprays of berries.

Looking for an afternoon holiday craft for kids? Purchase inexpensive peat pots and paint with chalk or metallic paint. Add a colorful painted band along the top or tie a ribbon around each pot. Lightly spray paint pine cones with glitter paint. When dry, place a pine cone in each pot. Line the Christmas trees down the center of your dining room table, use as name card holders or place the Christmas trees along your mantle.

Nothing brightens the winter months like the color or fragrance of paperwhite, narcissus and amaryllis. These flowering bulbs are easy to grow, inexpensive and promise spectacular blooms, lovely fragrance and lush green foliage in the dead of winter.

Choose kits that come complete with bulbs, pot and soil. You can also package your own DIY bulb kits. Purchase individual bulbs and pot in festive planters. Another idea is to plant the bulb and wrap with a scarf or scrap of holiday fabric.

Infusing honey with herbs such as rosemary add depth to its flavor, plus it's quick and simple to do. Start by steeping rosemary sprigs in honey. Remove the rosemary, pour the honey into jars and seal. Tie a ribbon around the jar and tuck a sprig of rosemary into the ribbon or decorate the jar with stickers.

Rosemary Honey Recipe:

• Yield: 2 cups, enough to fill one pint jar
• Time: 1 hour or less

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
• 2 cups clover or other mildly flavored honey
• 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, washed and dried

To make rosemary honey:

• Pour honey into a small, heavy saucepan and place over very low heat. Add chopped rosemary sprigs and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes or until mixture is fragrant. Stay close to the stove, honey can foam up and over-boil.
• Remove pan from heat and let cool for five minutes.
• Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and carefully pour the honey through the sieve. Discard the spent sprigs. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
• Transfer flavored honey to an airtight container or jar. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the honey. Store at room temperature for 24 hours, then place in the refrigerator.

Create art from your garden by using leaves from plants to stamp a Christmas table runner. Begin by purchasing a table runner in a light solid color. Iron the tablerunner and lay flat on a drop cloth. Gather leaves and other botanical items from your garden. Look for large leaves such as magnolias or leaves with intricate patterns such as sword ferns. Coat one side of the leaf with craft paint then press flat onto the tablerunner. Repeat until the table runner is covered or you have achieved the decorative pattern desired. If needed, paint berries and other simple shapes between the leaves.

For best results, cut leaves foliage several days before starting the project. Press the leaves between books to flatten for the best impressions.