Gardening Sweet Spots
By Donna Hessel
It’s that time of year – time to think about holiday gifting. Let’s take a break from the usual “can’t think of anything” angst and call on AI to come to our rescue. The following recommendations are the result of a request to ChatGBT for plant suggestions for specific astrological signs; plus some recommendations from an article I found recently. Perhaps they will solve your quest for just the right gift for each person on your list this year.
Plants are trending and popular. Now may be a great time to introduce someone who does not have houseplants to one recommended just for them. Or add to a houseplant aficionado’s collection.
If your person was born between March 21 and April 19, their astrological sign is Aries. These friends are tough, independent and low maintenance. The perfect plant for them is a cactus. There will be a huge variety of small, houseplant-size cactii to choose from at your local plant nursery.
Choose from a variety of cactus types for an Aries
Some other suggestions: Aries are passionate risk-takers, so consider what is different, bold, and exciting – perhaps a popular book on the best seller list, tickets to a new concert, or a jacket in the color of the year. They are fire signs, so they may also adore a spicy-scented candle or a trip to somewhere warm.
If your person was born between April 20 and May 20, their astrological sign is Taurus. Taurus friends are sensual, earthy and patient. They appreciate comfort and luxury. The perfect plant for them would be a Peace Lily.
A Peace Lily plant would be an appropriate gift for a Taurus
Other suggestions to consider: a designer robe, a spa certificate or the best chocolates on the shelf. Comfy, soft blankets and a good bottle of wine would also be welcome on a winter night at home.
Was your person born between May 21 and June 20? If so, their astrological sign is Gemini and their perfect plant is Tillandsia, or air plant. Gemini friends are unique and quirky; they thrive with freedom and variety, just like air plants.
Tillandsia is the perfect plant for a Gemini
Gemini friends have many interests, so finding something they will appreciate shouldn’t be difficult. Books, online classes, interesting movies or magazine subscriptions would provide mental variety. Because Gemini rule the hands, luxe gloves or a favorite hand lotion may be just the right gift.
Friends born June 21 to July 22 are the astrological sign of Cancer. Cancer people are nurturing, emotional, home-loving and creative. A perfect plant for them would be Aloe Vera because this plant has healing and comforting characteristics. Cancer friends are sentimental, so consider a scrapbook (maybe with pictures of them and you included) or a pretty journal. They always appreciate a home-made gift – cookies or a knitted scarf for instance. And because they are “crafty,” supplies to support their favorite craft or a kit to explore a new one would be appreciated.
Aloe Vera complements Cancer friends’ comforting tendencies
Leo friends are charismatic, vibrant and dramatic! They were born between July 23 and August 20. Gift them with sunflowers – either in a pot, a packet of seeds to plant, or a bright bouquet.
A welcome burst of sunshine in a bouquet of sunflowers
Leo friends do everything in a big way. So make your gift “big” and beautiful. Consider bold jewelry, an extravagant watch or special hair care products. A gift certificate to an upscale restaurant would be pleasing (and maybe you’ll be invited to join them). Be sure to wrap their gift with a BIG bow!
Virgo is the astrological sign for those born August 23 through September 22. Virgo friends are detail oriented, practical and clean. A perfect plant for them would be Sansevieria or Snake Plant. Sleek, tidy, air-purifyingand easy to maintain characteristics of Snake Plant complement a Virgo’s persona.
Easy-to-live-with Snake Plant would be perfect for a Virgo friend
Virgo friends can be fussy. A tip for pleasing these persnickety earth signs is to gift something useful. The more practical, the less likely your present will end up being regifted. Consider tools for their latest hobby, kitchen gear, a warm hat, a subscription to their favorite magazine or supplies to organize something – a room, a closet, a drawer. Be sure the wrapped gift is neat and tidy.
Friends born between September 23 and October 22 are Libra. Libra friends are balanced, beauty-loving and social. A wonderful gift plant for them would be an orchid. Since orchids are trendy now, you shouldn’t have a problem finding an unusual shape or color. Be sure to include care instructions with your gift.
Choose a beautiful orchid plant for your Libra friend
Venus rules Libra and beauty is essential to Libra friends. Gifts should be elegant. Would your friend appreciate a new piece of art from their favorite artist? Fine jewelry or designer clothing would be good choices as well. Perhaps a spa day? Maybe a gift certificate to splurge at their favorite cosmetic shop!
Scorpio is the astrological sign for those born between October 23 and November 21. Scorpio friends are intense, mysterious and passionate. Their favorite plant might be a Black Velvet Alocasia (a variety of elephant ears).
Try pleasing a Scorpio with a Black Velvet Alocasia
Since a Scorpio is mysterious, it’s hard to figure out what they might want. So, best to get a gift return receipt with your purchase, if possible. Consider the latest jazz album. Casmere anything (who could pass that up!), talismans, erotic literature (no fair reading it first), spicy cologne or a gift certificate for a massage. There’s a start…go for it!
Friends born between November 22 – December 21 have Sagittarius as their astrological sign. Sagittarians are adventurous, free-spirited and optimistic.
Tradescantia (or commonly called Wandering Jew) will be appreciated
Easy to please, your friend loves the holidays. They love to give and get gifts. Think about these options: games, tarot cards, beautiful travel journals, sports equipment, exotic cookbooks or lucky charms.
Capricorns were born between December 22 and January 19. They are disciplined, practical and ambitious. A ZZ Plant’s characteristics complement their personality.
ZZ Plants thrive over time, just like a Capricorn
A Capricorn friend likes nice things and quality matters. While labels matter, they will still love off-brand clothing that is well made. Texture is important. Avoid synthetic fabrics – wool, cotton or other natural materials will be pleasing. Dark chocolates are a favorite. Also consider plush bedding, cushy jammies, luxury skincare and a gift certificate to their favorite salon.
The astrological sign for friends born from January 20 to February 18 is Aquarius. Aquarians are innovative, quirky and visionary. The perfect choice of a plant? Chinese Money Plant (or Pilea Peperomioides).
Chinese Money Plants are unique in appearance with alien-like leaves
Logic rules intelligent Aquarians. They are “visionary” — future oriented — so technology is their realm. Gadgets, computers, video games or a robot vacuum cleaner will bring smiles. They are also a bit hipster, so retro turntables and/or vinyl albums might be just the thing for them.
Friends born between February 19 and March 20 have the astrological sign of Pisces. These friends are dreamy, artistic and empathetic. The gift of a Prayer Plant would please them.
Prayer Plants are sensitive – perfect for an intuitive Pisces
Pisces friends will enjoy a gift that complements their creativity and imagination or a gift to promote relaxation. Consider supplies to support an artistic endeavor or a piece of art. A spa gift certificate or a book on their favorite subject would also be appreciated.
This collection of gift suggestions should give you a head start on your holiday shopping. What is your birthdate? You may discover something to add to your own wish list or find something you can’t pass up while you are shopping to reward yourself for getting ahead of the holiday rush. Happy shopping!
Article Reference: The Old Farmer’s Almanac – December 2024, By Theresa Reed – December 16, 2024
Photos: Courtesy Pexels.com, Google images, Sagittarius-Tradescantia-photo by Donna Hessel
