The Gardener’s Night
Before Christmas

T’was 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 compost 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, and all 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 —
Father can try them and see what they do.

To help with the weeding I’ve brought a Weed-Bandit;
And to battle the bugs a floating blanket.

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 role of mesh wire if the rabbits should nibble.

For the feminine gardener, some gadgets she loves;
Plant stakes, a sprinkler and waterproof gloves.

A fungus agent for her compost pit;
And for pH detecting, a soil-testing kit.

With these colorful flagstones, lay a new garden path;
For the kids to enjoy, a bird feeder and bath.

And last but not least, some well-rotted manure.
A green Christmas year round these gifts will ensure.”

Then jolly St. 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.”