What type of horticultural gift could be given at Christmas? ASK THE HORT AGENT
Question What type of horticultural gift could be given at Christmas?
Answer Initially, you may think that gardening items or plants may be good enough for regular folks, but not for high-end folks. How about a king? The Christian Christmas is an annual celebration of Jesus's birthday (even though he was probably born in June). The Bible says wise men brought gifts to Jesus to celebrate his birthday (Matthew 2). They were taking gifts to the “King of the Jews.” Two of the three gifts they presented were horticultural in nature - frankincense and myrrh.
Years ago, these products were expensive, rare and sacred. They were treasured by kings and more highly esteemed than gold. However, both frankincense and myrrh are basically tree sap. Frankincense, which is sweet, is a resin from the Boswellia sp. trees in east Africa. Myrrh, which is bitter, is a resin from the tree Commiphora abyssinica. It is also from east Africa.
At the time of the three wise men and today, frankincense and myrrh are used to create incense. They can be mixed with things like spices, seeds and roots to create different aromas. Myrrh is mentioned several times in the Bible in reference to Christ’s life. It is ironic that it was given to him as a birthday present and his body was anointed with 100 pounds of myrrh after his death.
It seems logical to give horticultural gifts if you are celebrating an event where horticultural gifts were given. Gold was the third gift given to King (baby) Jesus. Folks nowadays seem to prefer diamonds, but will settle for gold.
The big chain stores make it hard to find garden gifts. In a twist of irony, the Christmas decorations are usually displayed where the garden supplies should be. Garden centers and nurseries are the only places to get true horticultural gifts (besides the internet and mail).
Other horticultural gifts may include a gardening journal, books (make sure they have pictures), gift certificates, plants, a fruit/nut basket, or a landscape design to name a few. Conservative shoppers could always give a free soil sample kit from the NC Department of Agriculture (cheap but useful).
A person may still be considered wise if he picked up some smelly products from a Bath and Body Works store. They have a wide range of uses. Essential oils can be used to freshen the air in your house, help you relax in the bathtub or cover up the smell of the cat's litter box. Unfortunately, they don't carry the same weight as gold like they used to. We want to be treated better than kings these days. If you have any questions about the mission of the wise men, then call your local preacher. For soil sample kits, please call the Extension Office at 893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org More info about frankincense and myrrh can be found on the internet at http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/natbltn/500-599/nb548.htm
Both the horticulture and precious metal standards can be satisfied by giving a gold shovel. It would make me perfectly happy. Have a Merry Christmas!
Gary L. Pierce
Horticulture Extension Agent
Harnett County | 
