'Twas the night before Christmas, in the garden so fair,Where blooms were still sleeping, no scents filled the air. The spades were all nestled, in the shed with great care,In hopes that the planting time soon would be near. The bulbs kept their heads in the soil,While gardeners dreamt of upcoming toil. My wife in her apron, and I in my cap,Had just planned our garden, a most wonderful map. When out in the beds, there arose such a clatter,I sprang from my kneeler to see what was the matter.
When what to my wondering eyes, it appears,A miniature wheelbarrow, and eight tiny shears. With a little old gardener, so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be Gardener Nick! So up to the housetop, the coursers they flew,With a barrow full of plants, and the jolly gardener too. He was dressed all in denim, from his head to his foot,And his clothes were all tarnished with soil and soot;A bundle of seeds he had flung on his back,And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,And filled all the planters; then turned with a jerk,And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;He sprang to his wheelbarrow, to his gnomes gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight -"Happy Gardening to all, and to all a good night!"
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About The Author
John Bagnasco has been in the gardening industry for over 50 years, starting with a horticulture degree from Michigan State University and following a stint at Frank’s Nursery and Crafts in Detroit.
After publishing his first book “Plants for the Home Vol. I” in 1976, he moved to California to become regional manager and buyer for the Nurseryland division of Sunbelt Nursery Group.
He then became the head buyer for Armstrong Garden Centers based in Glendora, California. John had a part-time affiliation with Creative Promotions for ten years before joining them full-time in October 2000 as a senior editor and radio personality for Garden Compass.
John has also taught horticulture classes at Palomar College and San Diego State University.
He is the host of the DVD “The Essential Guide to Roses,” which also features Bryan Main and Bruce and Sharon Asakawa.
His most recent book is “Planting Designs for Cacti and Succulents”.
Currently, John is a co-host on “Garden America,” an interactive live gardening show that additionally provides podcasts of the broadcasts accessible on all major platforms.
You can contact John here.