The Bloom With Me Holiday Gift List
- Diana Pierce
- Nov 26
- 4 min read
(You'll Want Everything!)
by Diana Pierce, November 26, 2025
This photo of me taking pictures of the season’s #1 blooms captures what I love doing best.
But my holiday gift guide was inspired by something even better: meeting the Schafer, Peterson, Adamietz and Sund friend group from Savage at this year’s Gertens Poinsettia tour.
They’ve since become Bloom With Me subscribers, and that sense of community — gardeners coming together to share what works in Minnesota, the tools that make our lives easier, and the stories that deepen our connection to what we grow — that’s what shaped every recommendation.
So here’s my carefully curated gift list. I hope you love these finds as much as I do.
EXCLUSIVE FOR BLOOM WITH ME READERS
CobraHead Weeder & Cultivator — 10% Off with Code BLOOM
A small-but-mighty tool that acts like a steel fingernail — wonderful for weeding, digging, edging, planting, and more. Made in Wisconsin with free U.S. shipping. Use code BLOOM for 10% off any Cobrahead product through November 30th!
PRE-ORDER FOR SPRING 2026 — ACT NOW!
Incrediball® Storm Proof™ Smooth Hydrangea (Hardiness zones 3-8)
This brand-new Proven Winners® hydrangea is already earning buzz from Minnesota gardeners, and for good reason. Compact, cold-hardy, and built with stems so strong they laugh at summer storms — yes, it actually stays upright even after the downpours that flatten everything else. With 12+ more fertile florets than standard varieties, it’s also a pollinator magnet.
Pre-orders start at $27.99. Ships spring 2026.
Order directly from: Proven Winners (Also available spring 2026 at Gertens and other Minnesota nurseries).
Also, want some great tips on some low-maintenance shrubs for your front yard? Check this out- https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/14-low-maintenance-shrubs-for-the-front-yard/
THE HARDY ROSE WORTH KNOWING
‘Cherry Frost’ Rose — A Star of the Duluth Rose Garden
If you’ve ever wanted a rose without the winter drama, this is your answer. ‘Cherry Frost’ is hardy, disease-resistant, and delivers show-stopping blooms that shine in the Duluth Rose Garden. Margaret Anderson, Treasurer of the Lake Superior Rose Society and caretaker of world-class gardens for 30 years, calls it ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to fuss through the winter protection dance.
Find it at Minnesota nurseries including: Gertens, Bachman’s (in-store seasonally), Highland Nursery (St. Paul), Bergeson’s (Fertile), Malmborg’s (Rogers), Jim Whiting Nursery (Rochester), Donahue’s (Faribault).
THREE BOOKS THAT BELONG ON EVERY GARDENER’S SHELF
Sometimes the best gift isn’t something you plant — it’s something that changes how you see your garden. Here are three books I’m excited about, from small-space homesteading to the mythology behind our favorite blooms.
Michelle Bruhn (Forks in the Dirt) — Small-Scale Homesteading
Michelle Bruhn’s homesteading bundle makes growing feel doable for everyone. Her book Small-Scale Homesteading, co-authored with Stephanie Thurow, is a lifeline for anyone interested in sustainable living and growing their own food in urban or suburban settings where space is limited. The bundle includes two helpful online classes — Seed Starting Fundamentals and Vertical Gardening — all for $39.99 (save $19.98).
I featured Michelle’s advice in my February 28th and March 10th newsletters — she knows her stuff!
Ryan McEnaney – Field Guide to Outside Style
Ryan McEnaney’s coffee-table stunner is pure inspiration. Filled with beautiful photographs of home landscapes, Field Guide to Outside Style shows how to turn any outdoor corner — big or small — into a personal, welcoming space. Perfect for beginning gardeners who want to choose plants and design elements that reflect who they are, without the intimidation factor.
Ellen Zachos – Mythic Plants: Potions and Poisons from the Gardens of the Gods
For the gardener who loves a good story as much as a good bloom, Ellen Zachos weaves together mythology, history, and horticulture. Gorgeously illustrated with graphics, this book belongs on the coffee table where guests will pick it up and get lost in tales of ancient gardens — including a captivating Odyssey moment (pp. 101-104) revealing that the magical ‘moly’ may actually be the snowdrop seen below.
MINNESOTA ARBORETUM HOLIDAY OFFERINGS
The Minnesota Arboretum knows how to do the holidays right — and they’ve got something for everyone on your list.
Gift & Garden Store — Books, tools, décor, and fairy-garden accents that’ll make any gardener smile.
AppleHouse Holiday Boutique (through Dec. 20) — Apples, gourmet treats, and seasonal finds perfect for hostess gifts or stocking stuffers.
Auxiliary Holiday Sale (Dec. 5–7) — Handcrafted items benefiting the Arboretum. Shop with purpose while supporting Minnesota’s botanical treasure.
December Gift Market (Dec. 13–14) — Local artisans and one-of-a-kind finds. The perfect place to discover something truly special.
Memberships — The gift that blooms all year long. Give someone unlimited admission, member discounts, and free guest passes.
MORE GARDEN GADGETS & GEAR
The tools that actually earn their spot in the tote bag.
Twig Lights — Cindy Wettman’s 2025 Must-Have (Gertens)
Warm white LED twig lights add instant magic to porch pots, holiday planters, and winter arrangements.$23.99
Kneelo Kneeler
This is a supportive, cushioned kneeler that saves my knees and back during photography and I highly recommend it for your knees and back for planting season.
$29.95
MUD Gardening Gloves — Bachman’s
Grippy, durable, and comfortable — gardeners can never have too many pairs.
I’d love to hear what’s on your wish list this year! Hit reply and tell me what you’re hoping to find under the tree!
Happy Holidays and #bloomwithme,
Diana
© 2025 Diana Pierce