The ground may be frozen and perennial stalks may be woody and brown, but it’s certain the native gardener in your life is already thinking about how they can improve their landscape next spring. We asked some of our trusted names in USDA Hardiness Zones 3, 4 and 5 for some gift ideas for native gardeners in the north, and here’s what they had to say (Note: As an Amazon Associate, MSHS earns from qualifying purchases):

1. Prairie Moon Nursery seed packet collections: Take the guesswork out of which native seed packets to pair up with these thoughtfully curated collections from Prairie Moon Nursery out of Winona, MN. Each grouping comes with 6 seed packets based on your native gardener’s quest, such as redoing a boulevard, creating a living fence or avoiding deer nibbling. (Shop here)
2. Rain Bird digital hose timer: Most new perennials and shrubs need a good amount of soaking in their first three years to get established and grow long roots. The Rain Bird Digital Hose timer is a great gift for native gardeners who have good hearts but maybe not the best memory for turning off their soaker hose! (Buy on Amazon)
3. Dramm stainless steel pruner: Every native gardener needs a trusty pruner, and this one came with the most praise from those we asked. It’s great for removing woody stalks in the spring and for deadheading to extend the short bloom window of native plants. With proper maintenance, it’ll last your native gardener many good years of growing. (Buy on Amazon)
4. Bee/butterfly water station: When it comes to unique pollinator garden gifts, few are as striking as this water station for bees and butterflies. Meant to provide hard-working insects with the water they need while keeping them safe from drowning, this colorful glass bowl is a beautiful addition to your native gardener’s landscape. (Buy on Amazon)
5. SunVara Mason Bee House: Did you know that many of the pollinators that visit native gardens live solitary lives very close to their food source? This mason bee house is a perfect addition to any native garden with its natural yet eye-drawing design—for both bees and people! And when maintained, it’s durable enough to last many generations of solitary bees. (Buy on Amazon)
6. Carbon steel garden fork and spade set: Native gardens are appealing for their low-maintenance profile, though no list of gift ideas for native gardeners is complete without a good fork and spade set for dividing and rehoming older perennials. Whether they admit it or not, you’ll soon find that one of a native gardener’s favorite things to do is finding a new spot in their yard for a misplaced plant! (Buy on Amazon)
7. Yard sign: Now available for delivery! Our popular new item from the Minnesota State Fair provides new and seasoned native gardeners the chance to promote their native landscape and get neighbors to buy in to the growing movement. Many of our members asked how they could get their hands on this item—and now they can! Designed and printed locally. (Buy at our shop)
8. Books, including planning guides: A new book is often one of the best gift ideas for native gardeners, as it gives them something to settle in with and draw inspiration from during our long dormant seasons in the north. We’ve curated a great list of books written by Northern Gardener® contributors and suggested by other members for you to get started with. And because we’re an affiliate, the money we earn from qualifying purchases goes right back into furthering our mission. (Bookshop.org) (Amazon Storefront)

Planting for pollinators has truly taken off in recent years, which means native gardening gifts are getting more fun and creative by the day. Hopefully you’ve found some unique gift ideas for native gardeners in the list above. If you have any ideas of your own, be sure to leave them in the comments below!