From my living room window as I write, I can look out across the broad front lawns of our farm like a lovely picture postcard of wintry New England.

Oops – guess I got a little confused and was remembering one of the classic holiday movies – "A Christmas In Connecticut". Actually I am getting into the spirit of Christmas by listening to some cuts from the "Home Alone" soundtrack and "The Christmas Album" by David Foster. We all have special memories of holidays and this time of year is without a doubt my favorite. More favorite than when our roses are in full bloom? A solid YES!! Why? Because for me this is a time to reflect on the year, time to give thanks for all our blessings, to share special memories with family and friends.

We all have special memories. Maybe a special present that you gave or received. In my case the memories of family joy and care that my parents gave me as a child, that my mother continues to provide and another set of thrills, excitement, joy and memories that my own family gives to me now.

The other way I would like to give something back is through gift ideas. If you are anything like me, you want the gift to be something special that the recipient will truly love and remember for a long time to come. Here are some ideas that I have assembled from past experience, from your suggestions and from asking people what they like. They are in no particular order.

Respirator Mask. If you really care about the rosarian in your life, this is a must. My kids gave me one for Father’s Day a few years ago and I think of them every time I head to the garden to spray. You can find them at places like Home Depot and Lowe’s, among others.

Memberships. You have a bunch from which to choose. Nashville Rose Society membership is only $15 per year. American Rose Society membership ($32 annually - only $30 for seniors over 60) gives the recipient eleven issues of The American Rose magazine and all its splendid photographs and articles, the Handbook for Selecting Roses and the magnificent American Rose Annual in December.

"Growing Miniature Roses" Video. If you want to know all the steps to growing the kind of miniature roses that the Tuckers take to shows and win with, then this is a gift you want to give yourself. This Breeze Video Production featuring Robbie Tucker takes you from start to finish on how to grow and care for miniature roses. Available from Nor’East Miniature Roses, this is a must for the rosarian who wants to get the most from their minis.

ARS Publications. If you want to start exhibiting or step your exhibiting up to the next level, then the Rose Exhibitors Forum and Rose Arrangers Bulletin are just what you want. For only $10 annually each from the American Rose Society you can begin to learn even more from the experts. If you have a special friend who exhibits, I know first hand that they will love either one or both of these.

"The Tennessee Gardener" by Lark Foster and Walter Glenn. If you know someone who wants to get the most from their Tennessee garden, then this is the source to which they should be turning. Besides being incredibly knowledgeable, Lark and Walter are good people who have made their years of knowledge accessible to everyone. Available at bookstores and garden centers across the state.

"Botanica’s Roses – The Encyclopedia of Roses". Marsha Tucker showed me this beautiful, hard bound treasure. Gorgeous photographs and tons of helpful information along with a CD for those who like working on their computers. Check with Davis-Kidd Booksellers or Barnes and Noble.

Rose and Garden Items. The ARS has lovely garden signs to add a little variety to your garden. Joan got me one last year and it welcomes visitors to our miniature rose bed. Rose stationary and thank you cards are a must for the rosarian. Jewelry for those who are good at picking out this type of gift is always something that is eye catching and unique (I especially like to find little lapel pins that will hold a miniature rose). Cheekwood Museum Shop by the Botanic Hall offers a wide variety of gifts including sundials, garden statues and beautiful, soothing wind chimes.

Gift Certificates. If you are like me, you probably have a few people that are hard to buy for. You know they love roses but you just can’t figure out if they like rose stationary and pens. You know they buy roses every year. That makes gift certificates your shopping answer. Most all the nurseries offer them, but I have first hand experience with Edmunds, Nor’East and Bridges Roses. Let me know if you need a phone number. Now my sister is able to get me just what I want without having to run all over the place. Give them a call – it’s a breeze.

Wireless Thermometer. This past summer, I stumbled upon this great "toy" at Radio Shack. With a base in the house, you can know the indoor temperature as well as up to three locations out side. Best part – NO WIRES. I used this to keep an eye on the temperature that my roses were experiencing in the summer and have already used it to watch as the temperature starts to drop. Great for protecting against the late frosts and freezes.

Stepping Stones. If someone had mentioned this idea to me a year ago, my look would have said "Huh?" That was until my children (Sarah and Logan – with Joan’s assistance) each gave me a stepping stone for the garden with their hand and foot prints in them. These stones are concrete that they personalized with dancers and sports symbols to add their own creativity. These are great for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles – anyone who is special. We got ours from Mary Loftis in Franklin (790-4055). You can’t go wrong.

Vacations. Now if you really want to splurge and give someone a treat, try a vacation. There are two in particular that come to mind for the rose enthusiast – Pasadena and Portland. Having been to the Tournament of Roses Parade, there is nothing more grand that seeing a float roll past on New Year’s morning that is completely covered in plant material – and most of them covered in roses. Having been told by people who have visited Portland, the annual Portland Rose Festival is a rose lover’s dream come true. Beautiful gardens and gorgeous scenery make this event in May one that you should experience at least once. Surprise that special someone and make getaway plans for one or both of these exciting events.

Now you have your ideas. Get your shopping done early so you can make it to the Holiday Party and be able to enjoy family and friends during this fantastic season. Have a safe, happy and blessed Holiday Season. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

December Garden Tip: For those who are looking for some garden advice, December is a good time to winterize. Don’t forget the basics – Cut, Clean, Cover! Check out November’s issue for more details. If it’s dry in December, remember to give your roses a drink of water.