Best gifts for gardeners: The gadgets, tools and accessories for green-fingered friends

Gardening has outgrown the perception of being a retirement-age hobby; more of us are turning to cultivating plants as a way to relax, learn new skills and in some cases, grow our own food.

A lack of outdoor space hasn't deterred us either. You only have to look up to see window boxes budding with foliage, flowers and in some cases, fruit on many of London's residential streets.

If you've wandered around east London on a Sunday morning, you may have been among the crowds that descend upon Columbia Road Flower Market searching for all sorts of botanical bargains.

Equally in spring and summer, west London blooms with flower shows, from Chelsea to Hampton Court. Gardening inspo is everywhere, and if you haven't been bitten by the bug yet, you probably know someone who has.

Whether they're just beginning to flex their green fingers or they're a veteran botanist, we've put together the ultimate gift guide for gardeners of all ages and abilities.

From snazzy tools to ingenious gadgets, interesting plants and statement pots, any product in our roundup would make a fantastic gift for a gardening-mad friend.

See our pick of the bunch below

• Gadgets and Accessories

• Garden tools

• Garden gloves and hand care

Garden Gadgets​ & Accessories

KitSound Diggit Freestanding Bluetooth Garden Speaker with Removable Stake

Summer is synonymous with outdoor entertaining, so help them turn their patch into a party pad with this bluetooth speaker that comes attached to a stake.

The ingenious summer staple works in grass, sand and snow, feature 360 sound and is also resistant to water and dust. What's not to love?

£28 | Amazon | Buy it now

No Riff Raff Doormat

Help your friends keep undesirables away from their beautiful garden with this polite but firm mat, made from all-natural coconut husk. Measures 60 x 40 x 1.5cm.

£19.90 | RedCandy | Buy it now

Emma Bridgewater Greenhouse Medium House Tin

Gardening is thirsty work, so if your loved one spends hours digging, trimming and potting in the sun, give them the gift of a well-deserved time out with this greenhouse-shaped tin from Emma Bridgewater.

Measuring 12 x 1.5 x 9.3cm, the steel tin is the perfect place to store some chocolate digestives, tea bags and their favourite mug. Add in refreshments to make a mini hamper we're sure they will adore.

£6.50 | Emma Bridgewater | Buy it now

Sophie Conran Blue Ticking Gardener's Apron

Go about your outdoor chores with this hugely practical apron that will protect your clothes while safely storing everything you need in its roomy pockets.

There's also a small patch pocket that would be ideal for holding valuables like your phone and keys, as well as a hanging loop for tools. The apron comes in a timeless navy and white stripe design.

£22.95 | Sophie Conran | Buy it now

Garden Tools:

Sophie Conran The Gardener's Essential Tool Collection

Offering everything you need to keep your outdoor space in tip top shape, homewares extraordinaire Sophie Conran has put her stylish touch on a set of essential gardening tools.

Designed to be both practical and attractive in equal measure, the collection is made up of a compost scoop, trowel, fork, weeder and pair of secateurs. It's everything you need to get growing in style.

£105 | Sophie Conran | Buy it now

V&A Fork and Trowel Set in Kilburn Blue

So pretty and bang on theme, the V&A's fork and trowel set features a classic William Kilburn floral print. Available in both blue and pink tones, the set is made from aluminimum and should be handwashed after each use to keep them in good condition.

Find more gardening kit from the V&A here.

£23 | Amara | Buy it now

Orla Kiely Pruners in Pouch

Every expert knows that a healthy garden needs regular pruning. Turn the chore into a joy with this pruner from design legend Orla Kiely. It's lightweight with durable pine wood handles and comes housed in a pouch patterned in the brand’s signature abstract floral style. A belt hoop on the back means the pruners can be kept close to hand to see to any unruly stems.

£30 | John Lewis & Partners | Buy it now

Brass Garden Fork Trowel Set

When in doubt, go for gold - or brass in this case. This gleaming garden set is made for gifting and comes in a present-ready box so there's no need to worry about gift wrap. Add a touch of luxe to their gardening routine.

£16 | Trouva | Buy it now

Haws 7 Litre Watering Can

A watering can is a must-have for budding and expert gardeners alike and this charming jug from Haws will raise the style stakes and become a statement feature in your garden in its own right. Featuring an all-brass rose and a down spout, this made in England beauty has a seven litre capacity.

£34.80 | Amazon | Buy it now

Urban Outfitters Glass Plant Mister

Overwatering can kill a plant as easily as dehydration, but the temptation is there especially when you’re in a rush. The solution? A mister that delivers a fine spray of moisture, such as this vintage-inspired metal and glass design from Urban Outfitters. Chic enough to make an interesting accessory, it performs its function with minimal fuss.

£15 | Urban Outfitters | Buy it now

Garden Glory Diamond Spade Grace

A spade shaped like a diamond may confuse players at a poker tournament, but in the world of gardening it translates to this cool tool. Crafted in a unique shape from solid brass with a durable plastic handle, you could leave the spade in the soil to make a sophisticated accessory that will take your planters to the next level.

£52.80 | Amara | Buy it now *On sale from £66

Amara Garden Tool Basket

Has your loved one just ventured into gardening? Then they'll appreciate this comprehensive tool set, which includes a trowel, fork, five wooden markers, a wooden measuring dibber and garden string. They're all housed in a lovely handmade willow basket that keeps tools in place with elasticated straps.

£50 | Amara | Buy it now

Plants and Pots

Pow Pots Sunny Planter

If they're a keen gardener, one thing's for sure: they can never have too many planters. Present your green-fingered loved one with this cool and contemporary pot, which comes in four sizes and six colours, perfect for adding a pop of colour to their favourite space. If you're looking for an unusual gift, Pow Pots planters are one-of-a-kind.

£45 | Pow Pots | Buy it now​

Patch Antony Chilli Plant

If they fancy themselves a bit of a Gordon or Nigella in the kitchen, a plant that continually yields the fruits of their labour is a good bet as a gift they'll love and depend upon in their cheffy adventures. The Anthony chilli plant from Patch is a firecracker, taking around two months to ripen but once it has, they’ll be able to sprinkle a pinch of spice on everything.

£15 | Patch | Buy it now

McQueens Bosco Urbano Terrarium

Bring the outside in with a terrarium such as this, based on Milan's foliage-wrapped block of flats, the Bosco Verticale. In McQueens' classic floristry style, this is a terrarium unlike any you've seen; sculptural and otherworldly A miniature garden of succulents, plants, moss and tiny pink orchids (if selected) sit within this statement glass design, which comes in two sizes: small (45 x 24cm) and large (56 x 29cm).

From £145 | MCQueens | Buy it now

Bitten Design Plantosaurus Rex

Dino-loving horticulturists will go wild for this T Rex-themed ceramic planter, which is glazed inside as well as over the exterior to ensure moisture stays locked in and plants are hydrated for longer. The statement piece is a fun way to display ferns and succulents whether that’s in the living room or on the patio. Make it a Jurassic party with two other dino-designs, Tricerapot and Plantosaurus, both also £30 each.

£30 | RedCandy | Buy it now

Peropon Drinking Animal Planter

Encourage young budding gardeners with these absolutely adorable ceramic planters that are shaped like animals. They're pretty much self-sufficient thanks to the foam tongues that work like a bridge to slowly lap up water for the plants nestled on their backs. Perfect for the young - and the young at heart.

Cat, dog, frog and panda planters available.

£10.99 | Firebox | Buy it now

Garden Gloves and Hand Care

Hayes Gents 'Tough Touch' Gold Leaf Garden Gloves

Robust gloves that feel soft to the touch, this set of men's gloves offer a high level of protection against nettles and thorns when on pruning duty. They're comfortable and warm and incorporate gold grain leather that's been treated so that it's water-resistant. A prudent buy for serious gardeners.

£24.99 | Hayes Garden World | Buy it now

Silver Bullet Gardening Gloves

While these luxe gloves look far too chic to get covered in dirt, they are composed of a stretchy PU synthetic leather that is actually both dirt and water repellent and will also fit your hand, well, like a glove. They come in a silver hue with a chrome button detailing and an adjustable wrist strap.

£48 | Amara | Buy it now

Kiss the Moon

What better way to nourish the hands that nourish the earth? 100 per cent natural, this sumptuous concoction is made with rose infused shea butter, frankincense, rosehip oil and ylang ylang.

£28 | Wolf & Badger | Buy it now

William Morris Potting Gloves

Liven up your outdoor chores with the help of these fun gardening gloves featuring a classic William Morris floral print. The cotton gloves will protect your hands while you tend to your blossoming outdoor space.

£17 | Amara | Buy it now

Briers Profession'elle' Gloves, Purple Butterfly

Reignite your love of gardening by investing in fun accessories like these pink and butterfly embellished gloves. But it’s not all all talk and no trousers, these gloves can talk the talk with a lightweight and breathable fabric, adjustable Velcro cuffs and a stretchy design to ensure a perfect fit.

£11.99 | Amazon | Buy it now

Shopping editor // Jessica Reynolds