A Gardener's Night Before Christmas

I thought that this was appropriate for gardeners.

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the yard the branches were bare and the ground frozen hard;

The roses were dormant and mulched all around to protect them from damage if frost heaves the ground.

The perennials were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of 5-10-5 danced in their heads. The new-planted shrubs, had been soaked by the hose to settle their roots for the long winter's doze;

And out on the lawn, the new fallen snow protected the roots of the grasses below.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear but a truck full of gifts of gardening gear.

Saint Nick was the driver - the jolly old elf and he winked as he said, "I'm a gardener myself.

I've brought wilt-pruf, rootone, and gibberellin, too. Please try them and see what they do.

To start new plants, a propagating kit. Sparkling new shears, for the old apple tree.

To seed your new lawn, I've a patented sower; in case it should grow, here's a new power mower.

For seed-planting days, I've a trowel and a dibble, and a roll of wire mesh if the rabbits should nibble.

For the feminine gardener, some gadgets she loves; plant stakes, a sprinkler, and waterproof gloves;

A chemical agent for the compost pit, and for pH detecting, a soil testing kit.

With these colorful flagstones, lay a new garden path, for the kids to enjoy, and bird feeder and bath.

And last but not least, some well-rotted manure. A green Christmas year round, these gifts will ensure."

Then jolly Saint Nick, having emptied his load, started his truck and took to the road.

And I heard him exclaim through the motor's loud hum "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a green thumb!"

This article was published originally on 12/5/2007
Byline:
Submitted by Richard Jauron, Horticulture Department. Adapted from The Gardener, November-December, 1983

Merry Christmas from, Balisha

Gibberellins (GAs) are plant hormones.