'Twas 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 5-10-5 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 of 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.

Please try them and see what they do.

To start new plants, a propagating kit.

Sparkling new shears, for the old apple tree.

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 roll of wire mesh if the rabbits should nibble.

For the feminine gardener, some gadgets she loves;

plant stakes, a sprinkler, and waterproof gloves;

A chemical agent for the compost pit,

and for pH detecting, a soil testing kit.

With these colorful flagstones, lay a new garden path,

for the kids to enjoy, and bird feeder and bath.

And last but not least, some well-rotted manure.

A green Christmas year round, these gifts will ensure."

Then jolly Saint 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!"