Price: $19.99 - $12.79 (as of Nov 24, 2025 20:26:58 UTC – Details)
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Michael Liu grew up in Toronto, Canada, then moved to the U.S. for college and medical school because, to him, America was the premiere destination for fulfilling his aspirations to become a physician and researcher.
“You know, in chase of the American Dream, and understanding all the opportunities — that was such a draw for me,” says Liu, who attended Harvard University. He is now 28 and has deep personal and professional roots in Boston, where he’s an internal medicine resident at Mass General Brigham.
But this spring, he was shaken by the Trump administration’s cuts to scientific research at the National Institutes of Health and staff at the Department of Health and Human Services. “That was a really striking moment for me,” Liu says. “It made me question where, professionally, it made most sense for me. I still have strong connections to Toronto and mentors.”
Then, in September, Liu was doing rounds with two doctors from Mexico and Costa Rica, when the administration hiked fees nearly 30 fold for H1B visas, which are for highly trained professionals, to $100,000. He watched his colleagues’ tearful reactions to the sudden uncertainty that thrust on their careers, knowing that employers like hospital systems are unlikely to be able to afford to pay for such dramatic increases.
“It was terrible to see,” Liu says. He has a green card, having married an American citizen earlier this year. But, he says, the Trump administration’s actions affect him.
“It feels like my contribution is — just because I was not born in this country — less valued,” Liu says. “I really hadn’t thought so deeply about going back home before, but definitely it’s been much more top of mind.”
A rural workforce
Immigrants make up about a quarter of all the country’s doctors, and the U.S. health care system depends heavily on them. There are roughly 325,000 physicians — not including nurses or other critical health care workers — living and working in the U.S., who were born and trained elsewhere.
In rural communities, and in some subspecialties of medicine, the reliance on immigrant physicians runs much higher. In primary care and specialties like oncology, for example, foreign-born doctors account for about half of the workforce.
Meanwhile, health care is already burdened by retirements and burnout. Many experts say recent immigration and health policies are only making it harder — and less appealing — for foreign-born talent to augment the short-staffed American health system.
She says policies defunding everything from scientific research to public health have damaged the U.S.’s reputation to the point where she hears from hospitals and universities that top international talent are no longer interested in coming to America. “Up until this year, it was a dream — a wish! — that you could get a job and you could come to the U.S. And now nobody wants to come.”
Gralow says, meanwhile, other countries like China, Denmark, Germany and Australia are taking advantage by recruiting international talent away from the U.S. — including American-born doctors and medical researchers — by promising stable grant funding and state-of-the-art facilities abroad.
American patients will feel the rippling impact from that, Gralow says, for generations.
Immigrant physicians have historically found jobs in U.S. communities with serious health care staff shortages to begin with, so those places also stand to see more impact from curtailed international hiring, says Michael Liu, the Boston medical resident.
He points to his own recent co-authored research in JAMA estimating that 11,000 doctors, or roughly 1% of the country’s physicians, currently have H1B visas. “That might seem like a small number, but this percentage varied widely across geographies,” he said, and they tend to congregate in the least-resourced areas, reaching up to 40% of physicians in some communities.
“High poverty counties had a four times higher prevalence of H1B physicians; we also saw that same pattern in rural communities,” he says. (Many physicians and physician residents may have different kinds of visas, such as J1Bs, and others.)
For the past six decades, immigrants have contributed heavily to the U.S.’s reputation as the undisputed world leader in health research and practice. In pay and prestige, the U.S. has been unparalleled, helping attract the world’s best talent — at the expense of their home countries.
That began in 1965, during a period of expanding federal investment in public health and scientific research, spurred by international competition and fueled by Cold War rivalries over events like the Soviet launch of Sputnik. That year, Medicare and Medicaid were created, and with them, sudden demand for doctors, says Eram Alam, a professor of science history at Harvard.
Over the following decade, the U.S. granted visas to 75,000 physicians, and by 1975, roughly 45% of all U.S. doctors were immigrants, Alam says. The U.S.’s first-rate reputation allowed it to attract more physician talent than America could educate and train: “There were more immigrant physicians that were entering the labor force per year than there were U.S. trained physicians that were joining,” she says.
Now, Alam says, the U.S. is undoing a lot of that, as it dismantles its global leadership role in medicine and science, and narrows its borders.
Not just for plants, winter can be tough even for your flocks.
While few birds do struggle with frostbite and freezing temperatures, there are specific chicken breeds that will keep walking through snow like it’s another Tuesday.
The trick is picking cold hardy chicken breeds that can survive harsh winters.
These birds have smaller combs, thicker feathers, and heavier bodies that keep them warm even when the coop feels chilly. They don’t just survive winter—many of them keep laying eggs when other breeds completely shut down.
A lot of the best winter birds come from places that deal with serious snow. Think Canada, the northern U.S., or even Norway. Their genetics do half the work for you, which means less stress during the cold months and more steady egg baskets year-round.
19 Best Cold Hardy Chicken Breeds that Survive Winter
Picking the right chicken breed can turn winter care from a stressful chore into something you actually enjoy. Some birds just handle freezing weather better, and having those hardy breeds in your flock makes a big difference when temperatures start to drop.
These nineteen breeds have proved they can push through snow, icy winds, and short days without falling apart. They keep laying, stay healthy, and don’t need tons of extra attention.
Each one has its own charm, but they all share the tough, winter-ready traits that make cold-season chicken keeping so much easier.
1. Chantecler
Chanteclers are about as winter-ready as a chicken can get. They were bred in Quebec, so snow and deep cold don’t bother them one bit. Their tiny comb and wattles sit so close to the head that frostbite is rarely an issue.
They’ve got tight, dense feathering that works like a built-in winter coat. On top of that, they’re calm birds that don’t waste energy flapping around when it’s freezing out.
The best part? They keep laying through most of winter. If you live where winters drag on forever, Chanteclers make life a whole lot easier.
2. Brahma
Brahmas are gentle giants, and their size alone helps them handle cold like pros. Their legs and feet are covered in thick feathers, which gives them extra insulation on frozen ground.
They have pea combs that sit low, so frostbite almost never shows up. Brahmas are also calm, friendly birds—great for families or beginners.
They’re steady winter layers, not the heaviest producers, but they keep going when many others slow down. If you get deep snow, Brahmas don’t mind walking right through it.
3. Cochin
Cochins are basically walking feather-balls, and all that fluff keeps them warm even in the chilliest winter days. Their small combs help too, making frostbite less likely.
These birds are super sweet and love attention, so they’re great for kids or anyone who likes a friendly flock. They’re also known for going broody, so they make excellent moms.
While they’re not top-tier layers, they still give you eggs through winter. Plus, their fluffy look alone brightens up a snowy backyard.
Wyandottes bring both beauty and toughness. Their laced feathers are gorgeous, and their rose comb sits close to the head—perfect for preventing frostbite.
They’re friendly birds that get along well in mixed flocks. Wyandottes do great in small backyard setups or larger homesteads.
The hens lay well year-round, including winter. If you want a pretty bird that keeps producing eggs when it’s cold, you can’t go wrong with a Wyandotte.
5. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are famous for powering through cold weather. They’re some of the best layers you can get, often hitting 250–300 eggs a year, even when the temperature drops.
Hens handle winter well, though roosters with big combs may need a little watching for frostbite. Other than that, they’re tough birds that adapt quickly to most climates.
They’re bold, confident chickens, so they may take charge in mixed flocks. If your main goal is eggs, this breed is a classic for a reason.
6. Australorp
Australorps are winter workhorses known for breaking egg-laying records. They have thick feathering that protects them from the cold, and the hens usually avoid frostbite trouble.
They’re calm, easygoing chickens that do well with families. Australorps will happily free-range when weather allows but also handle confinement without stress.
Their winter laying is excellent, and they stay productive long after other breeds take a seasonal break. For a reliable, friendly winter bird, they’re hard to beat.
Orpingtons are big, fluffy birds that handle winter like champs. Their thick feathers and rounded bodies trap heat well, keeping them warm even on bitter nights.
They’re sweet, calm chickens that enjoy human company, which makes them great for beginners or families. Orpington hens also make wonderful moms if you ever want to hatch chicks.
While they’re not the most intense layers, they stay steady through winter. Their friendly nature and cold tolerance make them a favorite in many backyards.
8. Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rocks, especially the Barred variety, are classic American farm birds that thrive in cold weather. Their sturdy bodies and thick feathering help them stay warm without much fuss.
They’re friendly, curious, and settle well into almost any flock. Whether you free-range or keep them in a coop-run setup, they adapt easily.
The hens lay dependable brown eggs year-round, even when the days get short. They’re a trustworthy, long-time choice for cold-climate chicken keepers.
9. Sussex
Sussex chickens are well-known for being reliable, easygoing winter birds. They offer solid egg production—around 200–250 eggs a year—and they stay consistent even in colder months.
These birds are gentle, calm, and great for new chicken owners. They do equally well in big yards, small backyards, or fenced runs.
Roosters may need a little care with their combs, but hens handle cold beautifully. If you want a sweet, productive chicken, Sussex is always a safe pick.
Dominiques are America’s oldest chicken breed, and they’ve earned their reputation for winter toughness. Their rose comb is built for cold climates, reducing frostbite risk dramatically.
They’re friendly birds, though roosters may get a bit protective. Hens lay around four eggs a week and keep that pace through winter pretty well.
Their heritage background and sturdy nature make them a nice choice for folks who like traditional breeds. Dominiques bring history and hardiness together in one bird.
11. Buckeye
Buckeyes are unique chickens with a real knack for handling cold. Their pea comb sits close to the head, which helps keep frostbite away. Their muscular build gives them extra body heat in winter.
They stay active in cold weather and don’t mind scratching around in snow. Buckeyes also have bold personalities and tend to defend themselves well.
These dual-purpose birds lay well through winter and offer good meat too. If you want a tough, confident breed, Buckeyes fit right in.
12. Ameraucana
Ameraucanas are famous for their beautiful blue eggs, but they’re also great winter birds. Their pea combs and fluffy facial feathers help shield them from frost.
They’re friendly, curious chickens that blend nicely into mixed flocks. Because of their Chilean ancestry, they handle different climates without much trouble.
Ameraucana hens keep laying through winter and add fun colors to your egg basket. If you want cold hardiness and unique eggs, they’re the perfect mix.
Delawares are hardy, underrated birds that handle winter better than most folks expect. Their thick feathers help them stay comfortable in the cold, and the hens lay well even when temperatures dip.
They’ve got friendly, steady personalities that make them easy to manage. While their single combs may need a little watching, they rarely give you trouble.
Delawares are great dual-purpose birds, offering both good meat and around 200 eggs a year. They fit nicely in backyard flocks without demanding much extra care.
14. Jersey Giant
Jersey Giants live up to their name—they’re big, gentle birds with bodies built to handle winter. Their size gives them natural warmth, and their thick feathers add even more insulation.
Despite their enormous appearance, they’re calm and pleasant to be around. They grow slowly but eventually become impressive dual-purpose chickens.
Jersey Giant hens lay steady brown eggs through winter. If you’ve got room for a bigger breed, these giants make cold weather look easy.
15. Welsummer
Welsummers are known for their rich, chocolate-brown eggs and gorgeous plumage. Their solid body weight and thick feathering help them stay warm in freezing weather.
They’re friendly and easy to keep, making them nice additions to a backyard flock. Welsummers love to forage and stay active even when the air feels chilly.
Hens continue laying through winter with only slight slowdowns. If you want unique egg color and a laid-back bird, Welsummers are a great pick.
16. Easter Egger
Easter Eggers bring fun and variety to any flock with their colorful eggs. Their mixed ancestry gives them excellent cold hardiness and often a frostbite-resistant pea comb.
No two Easter Eggers look the same, and their personalities vary just as much. Most are curious, sweet birds that do well in small backyard setups.
They keep laying eggs in shades of blue, green, or pink right through winter. If you want a cheerful, low-maintenance chicken, Easter Eggers never disappoints.
17. Norwegian Jaerhon
Norwegian Jaerhons come from freezing Nordic climates, so they’re naturally built for winter. Their small combs and efficient, compact bodies help them stay warm with little effort.
These hens are surprisingly good layers for their size, and they keep going even when snow piles up. They’re lively, friendly birds that stay active all year.
Because they’re not common in the U.S., adding Jaerhons gives your flock something unique. They’re great for keepers who want hardy birds with a bit of rarity.
Silkies may look delicate with their fluffy, fur-like feathers, but they’re quite hardy when kept dry. Their tiny combs and wattles make frostbite unlikely, especially in hens.
They’re calm, sweet birds that love people and get along with almost anyone. Silkies go broody often and make incredible mothers.
Their egg production is modest, but their charm and cold tolerance more than make up for it. Silkies bring a soft, friendly touch to any winter flock.
19. Ancona
Anconas might come from Mediterranean origins, but they adapt surprisingly well to cold climates. Their rose comb offers great protection from frostbite in freezing weather.
They’re active birds with energetic personalities, often preferring to forage and explore. Their striking speckled plumage stands out beautifully against winter snow.
Anconas lay plenty of white eggs and stay productive throughout winter. If you want a hardy breed with personality, they’re a fun choice for the backyard.
Best Egg Laying Chicken Breeds for Cold Weather
When winter egg production is your main goal, a few breeds rise to the top. Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, and Ameraucanas stay dependable even when the coop feels colder than your fridge. They’ve got the genetics and the body structure to keep laying when other birds call it quits.
Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, and Sussex chickens also shine during winter. They may not hit the extreme numbers of a Rhode Island Red, but they deliver steady baskets of eggs without slowing down too much.
These breeds balance hardiness, good temperaments, and year-round laying. If you want fresh eggs all winter without relying on store-bought cartons, these are the birds you can count on.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cold-hardy chicken breeds makes winter flock care so much easier. These birds stay healthy, keep laying, and handle freezing weather with barely any extra fuss from you.
Breeds with small combs, thick feathers, and solid body weight do especially well in northern climates. They’re built for winter, so you’re not constantly worrying about frostbite or production slumps.
With the right mix of hardy birds, you’ll enjoy fresh eggs and happy chickens all year long—even when snow piles up outside the coop.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting
Price: $23.99 - $17.47 (as of Nov 24, 2025 08:23:00 UTC – Details)
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Pair of 2 Orange bands included – This pair of Orange resistance bands features a 5-15lbs pound resistance level and 0.25-inch width for each band. #1 Rated 41-inch Prograde resistance bands – Only the very best research and materials go into the design and construction of 4KOR Fitness products – these pro-quality, therapy-grade elastic latex bands are incredibly tough and durable, so they’re guaranteed to last long, hold up strong and help you accomplish your fitness goals fast. Endless workout options – Your 4KOR Fitness Warrior Bands will undoubtedly be your favorite fitness tools because of their amazing versatility. From fitness enthusiasts to serious athletes, 4KOR bands are used in nearly every training and physical therapy method around. These resistance bands are indispensable for improving mobility, flexibility, and strength before, during and after your workout. Perfect for users of all levels – Regardless of your current fitness level or future goals, 4KOR Warrior Bands will work for you. Beginners love using them for gentle stretching, light strength training and assisted pull-ups while advanced P90X and CrossFit rockstars rely on them for power lifting, ring dips and deadlifts. As you progress, simply transition to the next highest resistance level for a more challenging workout. USA Brand with a lifetime warranty – 4KOR Fitness is based out of Scottsdale, Arizona. Our resistance bands have been used by men and women for years. We believe your fitness tools should not only work well, but they should last and take your workout routine to the next level. This is why we promise a lifetime warranty on our resistance bands. If you ever have any questions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you.
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Price: $59.99 - $6.99 (as of Nov 23, 2025 20:21:40 UTC – Details)
The Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 is set to redefine wearable fitness technology with its cutting-edge features and sleek design. With anticipation building, this new addition to the Galaxy Fit series promises to offer an enhanced user experience. The Galaxy Fit 3 boasts a vibrant 1.6-inch sAMOLED display, offering crystal-clear resolution for easy viewing. Its efficient 208mAh battery ensures up to 13 days of usage without the need for frequent charging, perfect for the active and on-the-go lifestyle. For fitness enthusiasts, the Galaxy Fit 3 is a dream come true, featuring 101 workout modes to cater to every type of exercise and six auto-tracking modes for effortless activity recording. The device is not only powerful with its 16MB of RAM and 256MB of storage for smooth performance but also durable, featuring an all-aluminum body and glass display. It’s available in stylish color options including gray, silver, and pink gold, ensuring it complements any personal style. The Galaxy Fit 3 stands out from its predecessor with significant improvements. It’s 46% larger yet 10% thinner, offering a more prominent display without adding bulk to your wrist. The device also advances in health tracking with enhanced sleep analysis, sleep coaching, blood oxygen monitoring, and even snoring detection, alongside an expanded range of workout presets and exercise auto-detection features. While eagerly awaiting its official release, the Galaxy Fit 3 is already generating excitement among tech enthusiasts and fitness buffs alike. This device is not just a fitness tracker; it’s a comprehensive wellness companion designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Vibrant 1.6” AMOLED Display – Large, high-res screen with smooth touch for easy navigation 5ATM & IP68 Water Resistance – Swim-ready and dust-resistant for active lifestyles Up to 14 Days Battery Life – Powerful 208mAh battery for long-lasting performance 101+ Workout Modes with Auto Detection – Automatically tracks common workouts for seamless fitness tracking. Advanced Health Tracking – Includes sleep coaching, SpO2, heart rate, and snore detection International Model No Warranty in the US. Compatible with Android and iOS devices. Samsung Pay – Not Supported.
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With its twisted shape, this conifer looks like a full-sized bonsai that escaped its container and is happily growing in Zones 4 to 8.
7. Golden Mop Sawara Cypress
Most conifers are green, and we love them for it, but sometimes a golden pop of color is exactly what the garden needs. ‘Golden Mop’ delivers just that.
This sawara false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera) cultivar looks delicate, but don’t let that fool you.
It’s a tough, low-maintenance plant that thrives in Zones 4-8, with elegantly weeping branches covered in bright golden foliage.
‘Golden Sands’ is another sawara false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera) cultivar that sports eye-catching variegated foliage in lime green with cream-colored spots.
It has an airy, open form that matures to about three feet tall and just under three feet wide, creating a graceful, vase-like silhouette.
I’m an unabashed lover of Japanese pines, and how adorable is little ‘Goldilocks’?
This white pine (Pinus parviflora) cultivar, sometimes written as “Goldylocks” and more accurately known as ‘Tenysu-kazu,’ has deep green needles tipped in blonde.
It has an irregular, upright form with graceful, sweeping branches. A slow grower, this compact conifer eventually reaches about eight feet tall and five feet wide, and it thrives in Zones 4 to 8.
‘Goldilocks’ performs best in a sunny spot, where the color can really shine.
Endemic to Japan, a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) is a sight to see. But most of us don’t have the space for the full-sized species.
That’s where dwarf options like ‘Koshyi’ come in. Happy in Zones 5 to 9, it’s a petite little conifer that grows slowly to form a tight, mounding shape about two feet tall and three feet wide.
It maintains a dense, compact habit even in partial shade, so you can add texture and evergreen color to those tricky, low-light spots in Zones 5 to 9.
Japanese black pines (Pinus thunbergii) are appreciated for their dramatic form and dark green needles, and ‘Kotobuki’ aka ‘Koto Buki’ offers those same traits in a smaller package.
This dwarf cultivar has short, dense needles and an upright, narrow growth habit that makes it useful in tight spaces or formal designs.
Over time, it can reach about four to five feet tall and up to four feet wide, but this conifer grows slowly and maintains a tidy, compact shape with minimal pruning.
‘Kotobuki’ is well suited to training as bonsai. If you want to add a Japanese pine to the landscape but don’t have much room, this is an excellent option for Zones 5 to 8.
At three feet tall and wide when mature, with a perfectly round shape, it looks like you spent hours shaping your topiary, when all you did is put it in the ground and added some water.
This unique, beautiful arborvitae is hardy in Zones 3 to 8.
‘Nana’ is a true dwarf cultivar of the Japanese or hinoki false cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa).
This conifer is extremely slow growing, which means you won’t have to worry about it outgrowing even the smallest of spaces.
After a decade, it might only reach nine inches tall. Eventually, it tops out around three feet high and four feet wide, but you’ll be waiting a long time to see it get there.
If you’ve ever admired the weeping eastern white pine (Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’), but you wanted it in miniature, meet ‘Niagara Falls.’
It was discovered in 1998 by Mike and Ken Yeager of Hickory Hollow Nursery in Tuxedo, New York as a branch mutation on a ‘Pendula’ but stays just a fraction of the size, topping out at just six feet tall and 10 feet wide over several decades.
The sweeping, cascading branches are lined with soft, two-toned needles, and the dense growth is so thick you can’t even see the wood underneath.
This cultivar will take years to reach its full size of two feet tall and wide, so you don’t have to worry that it will outgrow the space in your garden. It’s hardy in Zones 3 to 9.
It’s a classic, no-fuss dwarf conifer that thrives in Zones 3 to 8 and brings all the stately charm of a full-sized Norway spruce in a far more manageable package.
While the species is a sight to behold, a dwarf Norway spruce (Picea abies) can be just as impactful without taking up so much space.
That’s the case with ‘Tompa,’ an adorably small conifer with a dense, compact pyramidal shape.
When mature, it’s a mere three feet tall and two feet wide at the widest point and will maintain its topiary-like shape without any complicated pruning.
There’s no reason any garden has to be without a conifer, no matter its size constraints.
Most of the dwarf conifers listed above are suitable for container growing or can adapt to even the smallest area provided they receive enough sun.
Do you have a favorite from the list? Or is there a beloved dwarf conifer in your yard that we didn’t include? Let us know in the comments section below!
Price: $12.99 - $10.22 (as of Nov 23, 2025 08:20:58 UTC – Details)
The SPRI flat bands kit includes three professional strength natural rubber latex flat bands for working out the whole body and gradually increasing resistance and flexibility with the three resistance levels. Three levels of resistance are designed to customize the intensity of your workout and for gradual step-up – light, medium and heavy. Each resistance band is color coded and labeled for easy identification. These resistance bands for women and men are an ideal tool as strength training equipment that can help with flexibility, stamina, and general fitness goals. The resistance bands set can be incorporated into your existing workout routine. Our stretch bands can be easily transported to classes or used with your home gym equipment for home workouts. These portable workout bands are lightweight yet durable for stretching. With your SPRI band set, we include a complimentary exercise guide to help you get started for some variety to your workout routine. RESISTANCE BAND SET: The SPRI flat bands kit includes three professional strength natural rubber latex flat bands for working out the whole body and gradually increasing resistance and flexibility with the three resistance levels. FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS: Three levels of resistance are designed to customize the intensity of your workout and for gradual step-up – light, medium and heavy. Each resistance band is color coded and labeled for easy identification. BENEFITS: These resistance bands for women and men are an ideal tool as strength training equipment that can help with flexibility, stamina, and general fitness goals. The resistance bands set can be incorporated into your existing workout routine. VERSATILE TOOL: Our stretch bands can be easily transported to classes or used with your home gym equipment for home workouts. These portable workout bands are lightweight yet durable for stretching. INCLUDED: With your SPRI band set, we include a complimentary exercise guide to help you get started for some variety to your workout routine.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alarmed doctors with a change to its website that they say raises unfounded doubts about childhood vaccine safety.
Ben Hendren/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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Ben Hendren/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has made a dramatic about-face in the agency’s position on the relationship between vaccines and autism.
The CDC’s website now says a link between vaccines and autism cannot be ruled out. That’s a reversal from the CDC’s longstanding stance that there is no link.
The change comes even though a connection between vaccines and autism has long been debunked by a large body of high-quality research. But Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long promoted the discredited claim.
The CDC’s change is alarming public health experts. They are already worried about a drop in childhood vaccination, which has led to a resurgence of dangerous childhood diseases like measles and whooping cough.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has been changed to promote false information suggesting vaccines cause autism,” said Dr. Susan J. Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, in a statement. “Since 1998, independent researchers across seven countries have conducted more than 40 high-quality studies involving over 5.6 million people. The conclusion is clear and unambiguous: There’s no link between vaccines and autism.”
She went on to say, “Anyone repeating this harmful myth is misinformed or intentionally trying to mislead parents. We call on the CDC to stop wasting government resources to amplify false claims that sow doubt in one of the best tools we have to keep children healthy and thriving: routine immunizations.”
In a statement to NPR, Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon repeated one of the changes to the website: “The claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism.”
He said the department “has launched a comprehensive assessment of the causes of autism, including investigations on plausible biologic mechanisms and potential causal links.”
“The new statement shows a lack of understanding of the term ‘evidence,'” the Autism Science Foundation said in a statement the organization provided to NPR, adding, “No environmental factor has been better studied as a potential cause of autism than vaccines.”
It’s a statement that’s confusing by design, said Dr. Paul Offitt, a pediatrician and director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “These are the usual anti-vaccine tropes, misrepresentation of studies, false equivalence,” he says. “They might as well say chicken nuggets might cause autism because you can’t prove that either.”
The changes on the website “blindsided” career scientists at CDC, says Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a former top CDC official who resigned from the agency in August. “The scientists did not participate in its creation,” he says. “And the data are unvetted.”
Two current CDC staffers, who contacted NPR Thursday, say the updates are a glaring red flag that indicate the vaccine information on the agency website is no longer credible, and is instead “anti-science.” They requested anonymity out of concern they could lose their jobs for speaking to the press.
The moves are the latest in a series of steps Kennedy has taken on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines that run counter to mainstream medical and scientific organizations like the pediatrics academy, the Infectious Disease Society of American and the American College of Physicians.
Vaccine proponents say the moves are recklessly undermining public confidence in vaccines and fueling vaccine hesitancy, putting the nation’s children at risk. The U.S. appears to be poised to lose its status as having eliminated measles.
Kennedy sacked all the members of the CDC’s influential Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, earlier this year and replaced the members with his own slate. In one of its first actions, the new advisory committee called for the removal of the preservative thimerosal used in a small fraction of flu vaccines, even though safety concerns about it have also been debunked.
Under Kennedy, federal health agencies have also made it harder for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and canceled grants funding new vaccines that rely on mRNA technology at the heart of the most used COVID vaccines.
The Trump administration has also claimed there is a link between acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, and autism, and promoted the use of leucovorin, a prescription form of vitamin B9, to treat autism even though the evidence supporting that is scant.
Public health experts say both moves are scientifically unsound and would essentially upend the nation’s childhood vaccination regimen, leaving children vulnerable to diseases that had long been brought under control.
The CDC acknowledges in a footnote on its main webpage on autism and vaccines that it still carries a header reading “Vaccines do not cause autism*” and says it hasn’t “been removed due to an agreement with the chair of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee that it would remain on the CDC website.”
NPR emailed Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy’s office for comment but didn’t receive an immediate response. Cassidy chairs the Senate HELP Committee, which vetted Kennedy’s nomination to lead HHS and voted along party lines to support it.
Cassidy posted on X Thursday afternoon: “I’m a doctor who has seen people die from vaccine-preventable diseases. What parents need to hear right now is vaccines for measles, polio, hepatitis B and other childhood diseases are safe and effective and will not cause autism. Any statement to the contrary is wrong, irresponsible, and actively makes Americans sicker.”
I’ve always thought about redoing the lyrics of “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt to make it more gardener-friendly. Not that there’s anything wrong with wanting a ’54 convertible in light blue, but I’d rather have an Ariens mechanical edger in bright orange. And I have no use for a ring under the tree. I’ve already got one of those, and for most of the gardening season it sits in a jewelry box because compost and diamonds don’t mix well. Speaking of compost, I wouldn’t mind finding a couple yards of that dumped under my redbud tree instead.
This might all sound a bit silly, but I think it makes the point that gardeners can be notoriously hard to buy gifts for (or at least that’s what my husband tells me). We generally value practicality over prettiness. So in an effort to help out those of you who have been tasked with purchasing a present for that favorite plantsperson in your life, we have collected a lengthy list of items that any gardener would be delighted to receive.
On this list you’ll find suggestions from Fine Gardening staffers like Don Burgard, our talented copy editor. The thing Don wants most this year is a pole saw, but not just any pole saw—the saw he wants has features that make it especially useful.
You’ll also find suggestions from our cadre of regional reporters. These are folks from all corners of the U.S., who bring their expertise and extensive experience in gardening to inform their choices. No matter where you, your regional reporter has you covered.
The most important bit of advice I have for those of you looking for that perfect gardening gift is that it is sometimes the smallest things can make us the happiest. Years ago my spouse stuck a small bag of bare-root peonies in my stocking, and I almost cried. To the rest of the family it appeared like I had received a weird pile of brown tentacles. But to me, it was the best gift ever.
FG Staff Picks
The only “shovel” you’ll ever need
Photo: courtesy of the manufacturer
Many years ago I inherited my grandfather’s rabbiting spade. At the time I wasn’t quite sure what good a small-headed shovel would do in my garden. But I quickly came to consider it THE most invaluable tool I own. The folklore goes that poor tenant farmers in the 19th century would file down a traditional-size shovel to a rounded point so it could be used to easily dig up rabbits for supper. This narrow-handled tool is often called a “poacher’s spade” because this action would all take place illegally on the rich estate owner’s land. In modern times, this sharp shovel is ideal for edging a bed, transplanting in tight quarters, or even slicing through thick roots for easy division. The closest version to my heirloom that I can find is the rabbiting spade from Red Pig Garden Tools. Known for custom-built, blacksmith-forged tools, this company has thought of every detail. The handle length is 48 inches, but if you’re on the shorter side, you can request one that is only 44 inches long. The blade has a tapered, rounded cutting edge that is about 9 to 11 inches long, and two straps with rivets secure the head to the handle, ensuring strength and stability. The only bad thing I can say about this beautiful rabbiting spade is that it makes my older version look sad in comparison.
Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone’s hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.
Price: $65.99 at the time of writing
A useful tool for many tasks
Photo: Carol Collins
This high-quality garden knife from A. M. Leonard is the tool you will want to have at your side whenever you are in the garden. The 6-inch stainless steel blade has a wonderfully sharp serrated edge that will cut through roots and stems quickly and cleanly. The blade also has a notch for cutting twine and is marked in 1-inch increments that are useful for measuring planting depth or for lending scale to reference photos. The knife’s comfortable molded handle has a wide guard, and its bright orange color makes it hard to misplace. You can safely keep the tool close at hand using the durable leather sheath, which can be threaded onto a belt or clipped to your waistband or pants pocket. This knife is perfect for planting, dividing, weeding, digging, and prying, and you will keep finding new uses for it all the time.
For delicate pruning jobs, you can’t do better than these pruning snips from Fiskars Non-stick Micro-Tip Pruning Snips. They are a great supplement to your regular pruners. Like scalpels with handles, they will cut even the smallest and thinnest of shoots with sharp precision. They’re great for cut-flower gardens, bonsai pruning, and herb gardening. Just 6 inches long with 1.75-inch blades, they’re lightweight and nimble. The blades spring back open after cuts and are also covered with a nonstick coating to reduce jamming. This means that less pressure is required, making it much easier on your hands. Be sure to keep the sheath on the end of the snips, as the blades are very sharp. Best of all, this tool is sold in a two-pack, so you’ll have a backup if you misplace it.
Living in a house surrounded by trees is wonderful, but a downside is the ongoing need for maintenance. As a younger man, I proudly tackled the job of tree trimming with a bow saw, which not only required some muscle but also a ladder. I later added a pole saw to my tool arsenal, which meant that I could leave the ladder in the garage—but handling the pole saw still demanded a lot from me. Upon seeing how hard I was working to trim a tree one afternoon, my neighbor introduced me to his latest gadget—a pole chain saw. It’s just what it sounds like—a chain saw at the end of a pole. With one of those, I could do my tree trimming and still have enough upper-body strength left for lugging around my regular chain saw to cut up the branches into more-manageable pieces.
Although the tool that my neighbor let me borrow is powered by gasoline, I’ve got my eye on this battery-powered version by SunJoe, with an advertised runtime of up to 15 minutes. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but a chainsaw is going to move through a tree branch a lot faster than a saw that’s powered by me. This saw has a telescoping pole that extends almost to 7 feet, and the company claims that it can saw through branches 9.5 inches thick. If Santa is on board with the idea, I hope next spring to be chain-sawing my way to healthier and more shapely trees.
BAR + CHAIN: 8 in. auto-lubricating bar + chain with 2.7 fl oz oil tank capacity and oil level window. TELESCOPIC: Telescoping pole extends from 3.7 ft to 7.2 ft, providing up to 14 ft of overhead reach. ADJUSTABLE HEAD: Multi-angle head adjusts from 0º to 30º
24-VOLT SYSTEM: 24V 2.0 Ah IONMAX lithium-ion battery allows for up to 32 cuts of 4″ x 4″ pine on a single charge.
Price: $110.49 at the time of writing
Garden snips for the cut-flower gardener
Photo: courtesy of the manufacturer
A good pair of garden snips is essential if you’re growing a cut-flower garden. This year, I went against everybody’s advice and decided to grow my own wedding flowers. I knew that to do it right I would need the correct tools, and one of the most essential ended up being these snips. Though my wedding was postponed due to the pandemic, I was still able to enjoy the flowers throughout the growing season. I loved grabbing these snips and heading into my garden beds to see what flowers were ready to harvest, and then playing with the design of the bouquets. These snips have a comfort-gel ergonomic grip that makes them very easy on the hands during repeated use—as when one is harvesting stems and branches for bouquets. They are sharp and cut precisely, even on thicker-stemmed plants and woodies like hydrangeas, viburnums, and beautyberries. They also feature a thorn stripper and a floral wire cutter right on the snips, making these a great choice for the professional florist too.
I have a confession to make—I’m a serial plant killer. I’ve always loved and appreciated plants, but watering and I have never gotten along. I can find a million other things to do in a day rather than spend a little bit of time tending to my plants. But that all changed when I got this simple, small, but absolutely adorable watering can. It’s pretty enough to leave on your plant stand so that it’s always handy, and its friendly face will encourage you to check on your thirsty plants even when you’re feeling too tired or busy. With a half-gallon capacity, it’s perfect for a small patio garden or collection of indoor plants. It’s never too heavy to carry around my house, yet it still holds enough water so that I’m not constantly running back to the kitchen sink for refills. Do your part to reform a serial plant killer in your life with this cheery gardening gift.
—Kaitlyn Hayes, digital content production specialist
Let your houseplants water themselves
Photos: Kara Demos
I love houseplants and have acquired many beautiful varieties in my home. As much as I love my houseplants, however, I find it quite a task to water them all. Then I discovered these fiberglass globes. They look beautiful and can water your plants slowly for up to two weeks. With these tools, I am hoping to cut back on the amount of time it takes to water my plants while adding a beautiful decorative touch to them. I am putting these beautiful glass globes on my wishlist this year!
—Kara Demos, digital content production specialist
Mid-Atlantic Regional Reporter—Michele Christiano
Amp up your container game with this guide
Photo: Michele Christiano
A must-have book for anyone passionate about container gardening, The Flower Yard: Growing Flamboyant Flowers in Containers by Arthur Parkinson is packed from cover to cover with design ideas and practical tips on topics such as composting, planting, staking, and organic pest control. This charming book provides an intimate look into Parkinson’s garden, which consists solely of containers spilling over with the likes of tulips, cosmos, and dahlias throughout the year. He shares his design methods for choosing colors and textures for his containers with easy-to-replicate visuals like a mood board to envision plant combinations. This book not only keeps the reader visually entranced with the whimsy of his plant combinations, but it also offers an abundance of solid advice on container gardening for the novice and advanced gardener alike.
The SpearHead Spade is the only shovel the garden-tool enthusiast will ever need. Made with carbon manganese steel, the spade boasts a thicker and stronger blade than the typical shovel. Due to its narrow, pointed shape, the SpearHead Spade pierces any soil type, making planting and transplanting a breeze. Need to dig in a very small space? No problem! It maneuvers beautifully in fully planted beds where room is limited. Three different models are available for that special gardener in your life: long-handled, short D-handled, and a mini spade, which is perfect for very tight spots or container gardening. As a bonus, the short D-handled model comes in five bright colors.
—Michele Christiano has worked in public gardens for most of her career. She lives and gardens in southern Pennsylvania.
Midwest Regional Reporter—Mark Dwyer
Keep yourself organized with this bucket caddy
Photo: courtesy of the manufacturerPhoto: courtesy of the manufacturer
Fitting snuggly on a standard 5-gallon bucket, this amazing garden bucket caddy from Fiskars will free up the internal space of the bucket while keeping tools and supplies accessible and organized on the exterior of the bucket. Weatherproof and durable, this accessory is constructed of easy-to-clean canvas and includes nine deep pockets and two “pencil pockets.” The larger pockets can accommodate a wide range of hand tools such as a trowel, weeding tool, and hand pruners, as well as items such as a cell phone, sunscreen bottle, insect repellant, or a notepad. Customize your caddy as you see fit! Backed by a lifetime warranty, this bucket caddy is a welcome and appreciated product that sees increasing popularity with the efficient and organized gardener (and those who are still striving for efficiency).
This small, lightweight saw from ARS has limitless potential with a myriad of garden applications. The 6.5-inch curved blade has tri-edge serrated teeth that cut on both the push and pull motions. The incredibly sharp blade (made of high-carbon steel) is chrome-plated for rust and sap resistance and offers a very clean and efficient cut. A rubber-coated grip provides additional stability to any cut. When opened, the entire saw is 15 inches in length but folds and stores safely. Despite the blade length on this saw, it has few equals and is not only suitable for most garden uses but is popular in heavy-duty situations and orchard applications. I would not be without this saw, which also has a replaceable blade.
—Mark Dwyer, former director of horticulture at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wisconsin, operates Landscape Prescriptions by MD.
Mountain West Regional Reporter—Michelle Provaznik
Membership to your local public garden is a gift that keeps on giving
Photo: Michelle Provaznik
A membership to your local public garden is a gift that gives year-round. Memberships allow free admission to the garden and/or free parking. Discounts on classes, events, gift shop purchases, and so forth are often included as well. Be sure to check out your local garden’s website for specific details about its membership program. In addition, most garden memberships can be used for free or discounted admission to over 300 public gardens nationwide—a terrific perk for the gardener who also loves to travel. It’s also nice to know that your purchase provides much-needed funding for your local garden’s operations and programs—a true win-win.
This rolling garden seat saves your back and knees
Photo: courtesy of the manufacturer
If you have a loved one with a back that’s sore from hours working in the garden, this is a terrific gift that will ensure many more pain-free hours to tend their passion. The Rolling Garden Seat from Gardener’s Supply allows easy access to raised beds; imagine never having to hunch over to harvest green beans! It also eliminates stooping or bending to weed and deadhead flower gardens. The seat rotates 360 degrees and can be raised or lowered for the perfect height. The heavy-duty wheels can be used on a variety of surfaces, and a turnbar gives you front wheel control to easily meander your way through planting beds.
—Michelle Provaznik is executive director of the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Northeast Regional Reporter—Matt Mattus
A watering can as beautiful as your houseplants
Photo: Matt Mattus
After 30 years of practicing as a product designer, I can appreciate designs that are ergonomic, timeless, and practical. But it’s pure kismet when you discover a product that is also stunningly beautiful—even just as an object. The classic Haws watering can is all that and more. As with so many crafts, it all comes down to having the finest-crafted tools to work with. Chefs geek out over pricey knives and obscure kitchen paraphernalia, but we serious gardeners dream about things like hand-thrown pottery and, yes, authentic Haws watering cans.
My garden struggles include having too many wild rabbits who like to munch on my plants and three curious terriers who like to dig wherever I have dug. So when I saw these wire-covered cloches from Gardener’s Supply, I knew that I had to have them. Not only do they keep the bunnies, dogs, and deer from destroying a crop, but they look as if they came right out of a Beatrix Potter illustration. Now I can say goodbye to those rusty tomato cages that I would lay over the garden. These cloches stay out year-round—and they’re gorgeous. Shhh—no one needs to know that they are functional.
—Matt Mattus is the author of two books: Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening and Mastering the Art of Vegetable Gardening. He gardens in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Northern California Regional Reporter—Fionuala Campion
Protect your face and neck with this stylish hat
Photos: Fionuala Campion
Every gardener in your life would appreciate at least one of these comfortable and colorful hats this holiday season! Though I normally am extremely ambivalent about hats, I absolutely LOVE this lightweight, washable, breathable, and very flattering cotton hat from Foxgloves. Whether I’m gardening, traveling (this hat can be squeezed into the tiniest available luggage space), going to an outdoor event, or hiking, it has become my go-to head covering for every outdoor occasion—miraculously staying put even on the windiest of days! And it provides SPF50+ sun protection. Not only is this hat pretty, but it is available in an array of colors. You’re bound to find at least one that you or your gardening buddies will fall in love with (I have four at last count). I promise you’ll find yourself buying multiples to make sure you’ve got one to match every outfit! So put a Cotton Crochet Hat from Foxgloves on your own wishlist, or start shopping for your gardening friends and family.
Beyond Borders Fair Trade helps the talented metal artists it works with in the town of Croix des Bouquets, Haiti, to better their lives, alleviate poverty, and improve the Haitian economy—all through sharing their beautiful metal artwork with appreciative homeowners and gardeners all over the world. Using discarded oil barrels, hammers, chisels, and nails, each artist puts their gifts to work and creates gorgeous pieces ranging from small garden stakes for a flower border to large, collectible wall or fence pieces perfect for either indoors or out. There are styles, sizes, and price points to suit every friend or family member this holiday season. The hardest part is choosing which beautiful piece to give or to put on your own wishlist!
Make a stylish statement with these plush plant pillows
Photo: Marti Neely
Whether you have fallen in love with monsteras, anthuriums, alocasias, or any other wildly wonderful tropical plants, there is now a new way to bring their boldness into your living spaces with creative flourish. Give the gift of gardening with unique pillows inspired by nature from the Green Philosophy Co. The Succulent Plush Pillow is available in three colors and two sizes, with each easy-care micro plush cover created individually by hand. Additional styles of plant species are available. Partnering with Trees for the Future, this woman-owned company pledges to plant trees in developing countries for every purchase, with over 137,700 planted to date.
This book will help you make your garden more sustainable
Photo: Marti Neely
For anyone interested in learning how to create landscapes based on ecosystems and plant communities, there is no better place to start than Garden Revolution: How Our Landscapes Can Be a Source of Environmental Change by Larry Weaner and Thomas Christopher, (Timber Press, 2016). This book is thoughtfully organized and written to be not only educational but also to tell the story of discovering nature’s seasonal surprises. It documents Weaner’s and Christopher’s personal journeys through horticulture, explored through lessons learned and used to inform you of best practices for developing more ecologically responsible gardens. Whether you are a novice gardener or a practicing professional, this is a must-have addition to your library.
—Marti Neely, FAPLD, owns and operates Marti Neely Design and Associates in Omaha, Nebraska.
Northwest Regional Reporter—Susan Calhoun
Help a novice become a practiced gardener
Photo: Susan Calhoun
This beginning gardener’s kit from California Picnic is good fun and a great gift for young gardeners, with its Wolverine-type claw gloves. Waterproof with plastic claw fingertips on one glove, the pair helps with digging out planting holes. Many gardeners wear out the fingers on gardening gloves, so this would also be perfect for any plantsperson on your list. The bright purple color could even help with finding the glove that always goes missing while working. Tools—including claw, rake, trowel, weeder, and even pruners—are all included in a tote that can carry other gardening bits and bobs.
Plan and document your gardening season with this journal
Photo: Susan Calhoun
Many gardeners keep records of plant purchases, save tags, and have loose notes about plants in a box. A gardener’s journal is a great way to organize all these bits and pieces. This waterproof log book has specific sections for design notes, plant pages, and memos, as well as a seasonal calendar to help with tasks. It is based on a five-year plan, so it has plenty of room to really track the garden. That New Year’s resolution to be more organized will be easier this year. It is available on many online sources, including the New York Botanical Garden website. This gift gives two ways by also helping to support the botanical garden.
—Susan Calhoun is the owner of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Gardener’s Log Book from NYBG
This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features:
· Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil
· Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds
· Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when
· Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening
· Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting
· Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.
Price: $ at the time of writing
South Regional Reporters—Jason and Shelley Powell
Weed more easily with this long-handled swoe
Photo: Jason and Shelley Powell
Long-handled tools are incredibly useful for many reasons. At the top of the list is the fact that they allow us to weed while saving our backs. Of all the long-handled tools we have used, none are easier and more effective than this swoe. With a 6-foot lightweight handle, we can reach to the back of our flower beds with ease. And with the narrow head that has cutting edges on three sides, we can weed between vegetable plants without uprooting them. If you want to make the gardeners on your gift list happy campers, put a bow on a swoe for them.
We love big pots, especially ones that we’ve planted with hard-to-replace frost-tender plants. There are few things more attractive than a nice lemon tree in a 20-inch glazed pot. Unfortunately, finding help to wrestle those big pots inside the night before that first hard frost can be difficult. Now there are these Down Under Plant Caddies, which can carry up to 500 pounds and still roll. A couple of different sizes are available for all kinds of pots. They make the prospect of moving that giant pot with the beautiful lemon tree into the garage a reality.
Every gardener likes big pots and moving them around. An empty pot isn’t terrible to move; however, once you fill it and plant it, putting it in the other corner of the patio is more challenging. Once you put the empty pot on wheels and get it planted, the fact that it may or may not look better in the far left corner or a couple of feet to the right is much easier to discover.
—Jason and Shelley Powell own and manage Petals from the Past, a garden center in Jemison, Alabama.
Southeast Regional Reporter—Dr. Andy Pulte
Heavy-duty gardening gloves that will last for years
Photo: Andy Pulte
Life is too short, and I garden too much to waste my time on cheapo gloves. They need to be comfortable, fit well, and last a season or more. Bionic is my go-to glove. Coming in at about $40 a pair, they might seem like a luxury item to most gardeners. However, over the last six years I have only worn out three pairs. Trust me, I put them to the test. I wear them when I am running a chain saw and when I’m pulling weeds. I tend to wear the fingertips of gloves out quickly. These have silicone finger pads for added fingertip longevity. Between each finger is flexible fabric that makes hand movement natural. A flexible Velcro wrist closure keeps dirt out of the gloves while you’re working.
Made in Wisconsin, the Original CobraHead Weeder and Cultivator is one of the garden items I always keep nearby. Around 10 years ago the developer of this unique gardening tool, Noel Valdes, handed me the first one I had ever seen. I suppose you can do almost anything with it in the garden. My preferred use is ripping dandelions out of the ground. When I’m not weeding, I use it to plant small transplants. I have also been known to trench shallow rows for seeding in my vegetable patch with its unique hood-shaped blade. What I like about it is its ability to transition between the indiscriminately forceful and the precise but delicate in the garden.
—Andy Pulte is a faculty member in the plant sciences department at the University of Tennessee.
Southern California Regional Reporter— Jane Gates
Waterproof work pants that can take abuse
Photos: courtesy of the manufacturers
Probably one of the best gifts I ever gave myself was an inexpensive pair of plastic-fabric pants. I bought them long ago, and they will likely remain in my wardrobe for a long to come. Whenever I have a messy project to do in the garden, I slip them on. Mine are now a piece of art displaying splattered paint from fences, oils, drips, and various other pieces of gardening history. They have rescued my legs from scratches, tears, thorns, and LOTS of bug bites. They are good for when I’m spraying, washing, pruning, turning creepy-crawly compost heaps, and cleaning messy, muddy areas. This may not be a very romantic gift, but it’s one that will surely keep on giving!
Hint 1: Buy at least one or two sizes bigger than normally worn so the plastic pants will slip easily over heavy jeans or anything else.
Hint 2: The thicker the better for durability.
The pair I still have was made by Columbia Outdoor Sportswear, and you can currently find styles of that company’s waterproof pants in retail stores and online. They come in assorted sizes and colors for men, women, and children.
Herb garden kits for indoors, outdoors, and spaces in between
Photos: courtesy of the manufacturers
What do you give someone who loves gardening and good food—especially when you can’t depend on the weather these days? How about an herb garden kit?
If you choose a good enough design, your garden kit can be grown indoors in a sunny window, be ported outdoors onto a balcony or patio, or be perched outside in the landscape as a point of interest. Snuggle it near the kitchen where the resident herbs will be fresh and convenient to snip just in time to complete that perfect meal!
All kinds of herb garden kits are available in garden centers, home stores, nurseries, and online. But I suggest gifting kits with mix-and-match, reusable pieces. These kits not only offer longer-lasting, eco-friendly service, but also opportunities to replant seeds for different seasonal favorites. Consider growing all kinds of herbs, spices, and maybe even a pot of small-growing vegetables (like radishes), fruits (think strawberries!), or decorative colorful flowers.
And if all of this is not enough to convince you, remember that an herb garden kit can bring delight to a child, adult, or even senior citizen. This is the kind of gift anyone can grow with.
—Jane Gates is a landscape designer based in Los Angeles.
Southern Plains Regional Reporter—Kim Toscano
Make your veggie garden work for you with this book
Photo: Kim Toscano
There’s a lot of information out there about companion planting, but little of it has stood up to rigorous scientific testing. That’s where Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden differs from other companion planting books. Author and horticulturalist Jessica Walliser examined nearly 200 scholarly research articles to find what methods produce scientifically significant results—and which ones do not. The product is a remarkably thorough presentation of how companion planting works and why, along with strategies gardeners can use to achieve a diversity of goals, from pest management to soil conditioning. Along the way, readers will gain valuable insights into the myriad ecosystem interactions that affect plant growth and productivity. This is a resource you’ll turn to for years to come. As a scientist, I am both incredibly impressed with and greatly appreciative of the research that went into writing Plant Partners.
I’ve been gifting bird feeders since grade school, when I brought home my first peanut butter–covered pinecone feeder. This protective ground feeder from Duncraft takes my gift-giving to a whole new level. The Duncraft Ground Platform Haven Feeder features a wire cover to protect small birds from raptors and other predators as they feed. Sitting just 6 inches above the ground, the low platform is perfect for juncos, finches, and sparrows. Doves like to gather around and feed on any seeds the smaller birds kick out onto the ground. The feeder is built from weather-resistant recycled plastic and has a woodlike finish. The wire cover is easy to remove for cleaning, and a mesh floor allows water to drain. Birding brings great joy to people of all ages, and I love to share my love of bird watching with others when it comes to gift giving.
—Kim Toscano is a horticulturalist, entomologist, garden designer, writer, and graphic designer. She previously hosted Oklahoma Gardening, a weekly PBS television program produced by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.
Southwest Regional Reporter—Mark Brotton
The toughest, most durable boots you’ll ever own
Photo: courtesy of the manufacturer
Slip-on boots and shoes are my favorites when working in a yard or garden. I prefer to steer away from laces at all costs just for the ease of not worrying about muddy shoes in the house. These Blundstone boots are extremely durable and practical for working outside, especially in the garden. These unisex boots are qualified to take great care of your feet whether you’re a man or woman. This brand also has specially made waterproof pairs for those of you who prefer to keep their feet toasty and unfrozen by the effects of water. These boots are tough and durable and have been perfected since 1870. If the specific boots pictured here don’t catch your eye, there are plenty of other styles you can check out.
Heavy-duty gloves with stylish prints and patterns
Photos: courtesy of the manufacturer
These gloves are a woman’s necessity when working in the garden. Some of us like getting dirt under our nails, but I am not one of those people. In my work as a contractor and designer for more than 20 years, I have always needed to protect my hands from nasty splinters or other sharp, pokey things, and I don’t enjoy spending lots of time cleaning my hands after work. These gloves will last for more than one season. They are available in green, pink, or purple with different design options for the woman or friend you love. I originally found these on Duluth Trading Co. but they don’t seem to carry them anymore, but Amazon does. If you’re looking for gloves for the man in your life, then you will most likely find the perfect pair from Duluth Trading Co. as well.
Made with real food ingredients, this easy cheesy chicken and rice casserole is satisfying and comforting on weeknights. It comes together with just 20 minutes of prep time, and has plenty of veggies to compliment the chicken, rice, and creamy cheese sauce.
![SAMSUNG Galaxy FIT 3 [2024] 1.6″ AMOLED Display | 14 Days Battery Life | 100+ Watchfaces | 100+ Exercise Modes | International Model – (Black)](https://wrwofficial.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/61TJB03ROCL._AC_SL1500_-768x943.jpg "SAMSUNG Galaxy FIT 3 [2024] 1.6″ AMOLED Display | 14 Days Battery Life | 100+ Watchfaces | 100+ Exercise Modes | International Model – (Black)")
