Every year, millions of Christmas gifts end up in landfill. Giving loved ones a plant for Christmas is an inspired alternative that can bring year round joy, providing shade, flowers, fruit, or bring birds to the garden. Whether for a garden, a balcony, a bird lover, or a child, plants make thoughtful and eco-friendly presents.
Gifts for the Canberra Garden
Kick start a love of gardening
- Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana): Beautiful spring flowers and a compact shape.
- Crabapple (Malus spp.): Gorgeous spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage.
- Dogwood (Cornus florida): White or pink spring flowers and red leaves in autumn.
- Meyer Lemon Tree (Citrus × meyeri): Compact and productive, ideal for small spaces.
- Dwarf Peach Tree (Prunus persica): Sweet fruit on a small, manageable tree.
For more information on tree selection check out our guide.
Gifts for the Bird Lover
- Grevillea (Grevillea spp.): Bright, nectar-rich flowers that attract honeyeaters.
- Bottlebrush (Callistemon sieberi): Compact shrubs with vibrant blooms for nectar-feeding birds.
- Native Fuchsia (Correa reflexa): Tubular flowers perfect for spinebills and other small birds.
- Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata): Hardy, compact, and provides food and shelter for birds.
Gifts for the Balcony or Small Terrace
- Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): Fragrant flowers, perfect for pots in full sun.
- Shrub Roses (Rosa spp.): Repeat flowering and suitable for sunny spots or partial shade.
- Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.): Beautiful flowers that thrive with morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Kumquat Tree (Citrus japonica): Decorative and produces tart, edible fruits which make the best marmalade.
- Dwarf Fig Tree (Ficus carica): Sweet figs and ideal for container gardening in a sunny spot.
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Perfect for Mediterranean dishes, salads, and pesto. Thrives in full sun.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Adds flavour to roasts, soups, and stews. Prefers full sun.
- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): Aromatic and great for grilling and baking. Grows well in sunny spots.
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Versatile for garnishing and cooking. Does well in partial shade to full sun.
- Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Great for salads, soups, and garnishes. Thrives in full sun or light shade.
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): A calming herb with daisy-like flowers for tea. Prefers full sun.
- Mint (Mentha spp.): Refreshing for teas, cocktails, and desserts. Grows well in partial shade.
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Zesty and soothing, great for teas and salads. Thrives in partial shade to full sun.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Light floral flavour for tea and desserts. Loves full sun.
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Perfect for herbal teas and Asian cooking. Thrives in full sun.
Gifts for Children
- Carrots.Great to grow with kids. They are relatively quick from seed to harvest—7 weeks or less, depending on the variety.
- Strawberries: Sweet, quick-growing fruit kids will enjoy harvesting.
- Lettuce: Easy to grow and can be picked multiple times.
- Tiny Tim Tomatoes: Fast-growing and bountiful for young gardeners.
- Pumpkins: Fun to grow for Halloween.
- Sunflowers: Bright and cheerful, these flowers are easy to grow and attract pollinators.
- Cacti: Low-maintenance and come in crazy shapes.