‘Tis the season… what better way to spread some cheer than by choosing Christmas presents that won’t end up in landfill. We’ve put together some ideas that will blossom in the back yard or on the balcony and inspire young people to cherish the environment.
Small Deciduous Trees
Magnolia X soulangeana makes a great gift
Gift someone you love a small deciduous tree that not only provides shade in the summer but allows sunlight to filter through in the winter. Consider varieties like magnolias, crabapple, Japanese maple, or dogwood.
Beautifully Scented Shrub
For something more aromatic opt for a shrub rose, lilac tree, hydrangeas or some herbs. Hydrangeas flower from Summer till the end of Autumn and can easily be kept in pots on a balcony that gets morning sun. Pots of camomile, sage, bay tree or a lemon tree are great presents for a small balcony or backyard.
Home Grown Fruit
Fruit trees are a great gift. Many nurseries offer smaller fruit trees that can be grown in a pot on a balcony. Multi-graft trees are a good option for small gardens where space is limited. Sometimes called fruit salad trees you can find three way apple trees, three way pears, two way cherry trees, and peaches and nectarines on the same tree. They are easy to grow and mean you will have fruit for an extended season. There are also mini versions which can grow on a sunny balcony.
Adopt-a-Tree
Many environmental organisations offer adopt-a-tree programs where you can symbolically adopt a tree in a loved one’s name. These programs often come with certificates, updates on the tree’s growth, and the satisfaction of contributing to reforestation efforts. The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife have an Adopt a tree program – their goal is to help grow and plant 1 million trees in disaster affected areas by 2025. The trees provide shelter, food and habitat for wildlife
Nature experiences
Please Santa.. Our Dream Nature Experience is to get away from it all and stay at Yambulla a 1500ha former cattle station south of Bombala that has been converted into a place to benefit biodiversity, environment and Indigenous Culture under a philosophy called Sharing Country.
Gifts for Kids
Vege seeds: Inspire a love for gardening in children with a packet of seeds and some pots for a vegetable garden. From carrots and tomatoes to lettuce and herbs, the possibilities are endless. This gift not only nurtures a connection to nature but also teaches valuable lessons about where food comes from.
Berry bushes: Strawberry plants, blueberries and raspberry canes are super easy to grow and provide a hands-on experience for children to watch their favourite fruits grow right before their eyes.