'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 each of them can do.
To start new plants, a propagating kit. Sparkling new shears, to keep plants looking fit.
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 gardening all season, some gadgets to love; 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, to access the bird feeder and clean out the 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!"
Adapted from The Gardener, November-December, 1983.
Learn more about caring for all your holiday plants in this article: Caring for Holiday Plants