Aloe vera plant, $20
Buy it: Oakland Nursery
Ohio winters aren’t kind to green thumbs, so many turn their interests inside to avoid going insane. Add to a friend’s indoor collection with a medicinal succulent that offers a needed dose of green. Oakland has tons in various sizes and prices.
| 1156 Oakland Park Ave., North Linden | 614-268-3511 | oaklandnursery.com |
The Digger gloves by Womanswork, $24
Buy them: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The better the gardening gloves, the better the garden. Designed for women, these gems combine a breathable top layer with durable, padded palms. They also come with a soft patch for wiping sweat and a Velcro wrist strap to keep dirt out.
| 1777 E. Broad St., Near East Side | 614-645-8733 | fpconservatory.org |
Flameless LED Candle Lanterns by Inglow, $12
Buy them: Lowe’s
A garden’s only fun if you get to show it off every so often. These battery-powered votive lanterns can be placed on a deck, around featured flowers or wherever your handiwork needs a dainty, adorable spotlight.
| 2345 Silver Dr., North Side | 614-447-2851 | lowes.com |
Metal plant tags, $1 apiece
Buy them: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Early in the season, different varieties of the same veggie can look the same (especially tomatoes and peppers). Metal plant tags with copper nameplates will organize garden rows and make your entire space stand out.
| 1777 E. Broad St., Near East Side | 614-645-8733 | fpconservatory.org |
“Herb Gardening for the Midwest” by Debra Knapke and Laura Peters, $19.95
Buy it: Oakland Nursery
In short, this is one of the most helpful books I’ve ever read — a colorful, engaging, practical guide to cultivating herbs. The authors include what a novice gardener needs to know to grow, harvest, store and enjoy everything from anise to wild strawberry.
| 1156 Oakland Park Ave., North Linden | 614-268-3511 | oaklandnursery.com |