Valentine’s Day. A day many of us associate with cut flowers and boxes of waxy chocolates. Nothing says, “You’re special to me” like cut flowers and waxy chocolates, right? This year, why not show friends, teachers, and loved ones that they really ARE special by giving them the gift of good food, beautiful surroundings, and the life-affirming benefits of gardening.
Okay, so maybe I am being a bit dramatic, but for anyone who has held in their hands a little paper envelope of seeds–that small packet containing all the promise of spring–it really does seem the most magical and amazing gifts to give or receive. Plus, it’s super-easy and a lot more creative than those store-bought paper valentines with the lollipops taped to them that you were thinking about giving.
Just about any seeds make great gifts, but think about the person and the situation. Pumpkins might not make the best choice for a friend in a 3rd-floor apartment, for example. Herbs and flowers are a wonderful choice, although I don’t think anyone could resist being your Valentine if you sent them a sweet note reading “Roses are Red…Violets are Blue…These Carrots are Almost as Sweet as You!”
You can make your card as simple as a construction paper heart or postcard, or go all-out with fancy papers and stickers. Add your sentiment (friendly, silly, or even romantic) and tape the seed packet inside or cut some small slits to tuck the corners of the packet info. Your special someone will think of you all summer long with this simple and thoughtful gift.
Ellie says
Sweet! Simple! and long-lasting:)
AMK says
I had an outdoor wedding reception. I had small planters with Marigolds and a seed packet with a romantic saying and thanked the guests for coming with our wedding date. I used them as center pieces on the tables and for gifts the guests could take home. Everyone loved them! To cover up the dirt, I put flat glass beads around the flower in each planter then tied my wedding colors with ribbon around the planters. I got clear sticks that hold small cards from a florist to hold the seed packet, pushed them into the dirt in the planter and ran off the sayings from my computer onto sticker paper and stuck them on the seed packets. . You have to plan ahead though! Give yourself plenty of time if you actually grow them from seed or you can cheat and buy a few flats already blooming- if they’re in season. Plan it out!
ashley says
What a great idea – thanks for sharing it!