Here were are in the magical month of June with summer sunshine and the longest day of the year (the summer equinox) on the horizon. I always look forward to either golfing or gardening until 10pm on equinox day. Even better, perhaps the Golfing Gardener will work both into the schedule for 2026 – 36 holes (or maybe even 54 if my back holds up!) followed by a late night weeding and plant grooming session… sounds like the perfect plan to me. This weekend also brings us golfing addicts the US Open to watch as well, often the toughest test of the year for professional players. For 2026, THE Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island (NY), one of the harder courses in the country let alone the world, hosts the championship. I invite you to tune in as it is a spectacular course full of torturous greens and knee high rough, and witness the best golfers sometimes struggling like us mediocre amateurs. Sorry, I digress as I dream about golf, but let me get back to gardening again…
June also brings us Father’s Day, the annual holiday for celebrating all of the many types of father figures out there and the guidance, confidence, work ethic and strength they provide and add to our lives. We celebrated Mom in May, now it is time for Dad! Speaking as a father with two great boys (well - most of the time☺), we like plants, flowers and gardening too! Treasures in all shades of green, useful tools, pots, statuary, garden art, fountains and so much more for the garden is always appreciated. Heck, even a bag of compost or bottle of fish fertilizer would make this Dad smile. It is always the thought that counts and focusing on something just for Dad will absolutely make his day. You know best what the special Dad in your life will gravitate towards, but here are a few suggestions I think any Dad would love for the garden…
Japanese Maples: These trees can be found in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and styles – kind of like father figures right? If he likes maples, there is one (or more) guaranteed to catch his fancy. From interesting weeping lace leaf maples to tall stately specimens and everything in between, there are Japanese maples for every man (or woman for that matter). Out of space like me? Then get him a sturdy, frost-proof pot to plant his new treasure in, as the pot can be placed anywhere to enjoy. The more pots the merrier, says this gardener, as there is always room for just one more… somewhere.
Dwarf Conifers: Slow-growing and colorful, the varying textures of dwarf conifers are wonderful additions to any outdoor setting that has some sun and good drainage. There are many worthy candidates to explore, offering different shades of green, bright yellows, blues, and even some that will turn bright colors in colder winter months. At your local garden center ask a Certified Professional Horticulturist for some advice in selecting the perfect one for your Dad and you will find a plant that will provide decades of enjoyment. These will mature into a sturdy and stately specimen, hopefully just like Dad did.
Statuary: A unique piece of garden art is an excellent way for any father figure to show their personal style in the landscape. You can find beautiful garden art at many garden centers, especially long-lasting metal, glass or cast stone pieces. Fun and even whimsical pieces can be found to match any Dad’s taste too. Maybe a new bench with a trophy fish design for the fisherman? A new pagoda for a Japanese themed garden? Perhaps a fun concrete face that makes him smile whenever he sees it? A cool bird bath or bird house to enjoy? A huge golf ball for a golfing Dad (and yes, I have 3)? Go out and explore your options with him as there is plenty out there to choose from.
Fountains: Nothing is more peaceful than the sound of water in your outdoor spaces. By adding a stunning water feature like a fountain, you are sure to please any Dad, and the entire family for that matter. Fountains are easy, durable and many these days have both modern LED lighting built right in as well as power-efficient pumps. Shop around with Dad to find one he likes best and help him set it up on the patio, deck, porch or in the landscape. The sound and action of the water will mesmerize all who see it!
Tools: We always need a good tool to help make projects easier in the garden. Now make it even better and offer to help, right? There are many great options for tools so check out his stash and see what is missing, or which ones have been “well loved” and need to be replaced. Quality pruners, a pocket saw, a Hori Hori garden knife, a good sharpener - all things a gardening Dad would love. Perhaps even a super useful shovel like the Root Slayer from Radius Tools – a must have for any digging project. There is always the digging fork as well, an easy tool I wish all gardeners utilized.
A Tree or Shrub Just for Dad: As we continue on through the hopefully warmer month of June, there are some great trees and shrubs that are blooming around Father’s Day. It might be fun to head to the local garden center and pick out a plant with Dad, something that will grow and mature like kids do and be a beautiful memento with its flowers, year after year. Korean Dogwoods, Japanese Snowbells, many flavors of Hydrangeas or Roses, and numerous other worthy June-bloomers could be planted in honor of Father’s Day. A plant from you, now that is special!
Speaking as a Dad, we are never perfect but we do our best to provide all we can for our families and children. Setting the example for our kids is paramount. Teaching them anything and everything about what is truly important in life, and gardening is absolutely one of those things. Celebrate Dads this time of year and let them know they are appreciated. There is never an absolute need to go buy something for Dad since we love quality time together, laughter and smiles as much as anything. But then again, Dads certainly like gifts too, and yes, flowers and plants count, so maybe a botanical treasure is just what the doctor ordered. Stop in at the local garden center to find some cool plants for Dad or even a gift card so you two can find something together. Then, if you really want to score some extra points, grab that shovel and offer to help plant them as well. Now that is some quality time spent working in the garden, away from all those screens, getting dirty together and breathing in some fresh air. Sign me up for that! In all seriousness, Happy Father’s Day to my Pops and to all of the other wonderful Dads out there in all of our lives.
