'Twas
the night before Christmas and all through the yard
the branches were bare and the ground frozen hard;
The garden plots were dormant and mulched all around
to protect them from wild weeds that threaten the ground.
The perennials were nestled all snug in their bed
while visions of summer sun danced in their heads.
The new-planted trees, had been soaked by the hose
to settle their roots for the long winter's doze;
And out on the herb bed, the new fallen snow
protected the roots of the plants 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 earthtainers and Jeff Casey seeds, too.
Please try them and see what they do.
To start new plants, a propagating kit.
Some shiny new benches and tablecloths too.
To host garden picnics or a herb butter “do”
For seed-planting days, I've a trowel and a dibble,
and a roll of wire mesh if the rabbits should nibble.
For the feminine gardener, some gadgets she loves;
plant stakes, a sprinkler, and waterproof gloves;
A screen and a shovel for the compost pit,
and for pH detecting, a soil testing kit.
With these colorful flagstones, lay a new garden path,
for the kids to enjoy, and bird feeder and 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!"
