present for 69yr old dad who likes gardening

[doineedhelp]

My dad is an absolute pain to buy for... he loves gardening, metal detecting and whisky
Any ideas as to what on earth I can get him for xmas, I don't like to give vouchers if I can avoid it, please help

Thanks

A kneeling pad for gardening?
In fact I think you can get a small chair that, inverted, is also a kneeling pad.

Hip flask?

A solar powered water feature.

New gardening gloves or secateurs? I always need a new pair of either

Does he like a particular whisky? That's an obvious present but you can make it more special by buying an older vintage than he normally buys.

Is there a historical / botanic garden nearby that he likes to visit ?
A season ticket to somewhere like that would be good .

Thanks guys... some kind of plant or feature might work but think I'd want him to choose it. Food for thought, cheers

Chlorinella, thats a really good idea, thanks

How about a subscription to 'Amateur Gardening'? My Mum loved that magazine (it comes weekly) and was always bowled over by the free good quality seeds that came with it nearly every week.

www.rhs.org.uk/

Royal horticultural society has events and an online shop. You might be able to buy him tickets to a gardening exhibition. Alternatively, vouchers that he could use to buy Chelsea flower show tickets with once they are on sale.

Raisah - that is just perfect, thank you. I will be getting him 2 tickets to rhs show tomorrow, why didn't I think of it ;-)

Two good websites we've used for gardening mad FIL

Gluttonous Gardner we got the Wine Vine for him last year, comes really nicely packaged and he managed to grow a few grapes

Seed Pantry do some lovely grow it yourself packs

We have bought DDad a bee house this year. DPs have an allotment which has made gift buying soooo much easier this year! and he is interested in wildlife as well. Declining bee populations and the helpfulness of bees to a gardener make it an ideal gift (I hope!)