A Father’s Day Outdoor Wish List

Father’s Day is such a great excuse to celebrate the dads, grandpas, and men who play an important role in our lives. In my line of work, I have the good fortune of running across gadgets, devices, and well quite frankly some amazing outdoor hardscape and landscape ideas that are impressive enough to pass along for special occasions like Father’s Day. 

Here are some great outdoor Father’s Day gift ideas that are sure to impress your dad this year!

1. Eye Goggles: Your Shop Teacher was right – put on those goggles! Help protect dad’s eyes when he mows or takes on an outdoor project. There are a variety of styles, colors, and lens tints available. 
2. Noise Suppression Headphones: Protect your dad’s ears when he mows the lawn or operates machinery. Noise suppression headphones do a great job of drowning out the sounds of lawn equipment, and some even have auxiliary inputs, which allows for the use of iPods and MP3 players.
3. Soaker Hoses: Soaker hoses are an inexpensive way to create an awesome watering system, and water your flowers and shrubs deeply without creating a flood. Made of foam with tiny holes, they release small drops of water into the ground. They can be left on for long periods of time without creating a massive flood. And, the best part is, these hoses can be networked together to create a nice watering system that is easily disguised by mulch.
4. Irrigation Timers: Save dad some time and money by hooking his sprinklers and soaker hoses up to an automatic irrigation timer. Some timers even have additional weather companions / sensors that automatically sense the weather conditions and adjust water flow.  
5. Rain Barrels: Rain Barrels are a fantastic way to save money, water, and energy, and make the perfect gift for a dad that loves to garden. They’ve gotten so sophisticated that even a novice rain harvester can purchase an easy to install solar powered rain barrel that provides enough water pressure to run a modest irrigation system.
6. Weather Station: For dads that enjoy science and technology, a weather station is a fun way for dad to track the wind and weather right at home, and there are a variety of price points and levels of sophistication for these devices, so there’s something for everyone.
7. Fire Pit: Fire pits are a great way to bring the camping experience right to your dad’s patio or outdoor space. They come in all shapes and sizes and are a great way to enjoy summer and fall nights with friends and family.
8. Outdoor BBQ: This goes without saying – BBQ’s reign supreme when it comes to dads. Think outside of the box this year and consider an aluminum bucket grill, clay pot grill, or hibachi grill. Of course, you can go all out and by your dad that gas grill with the side burners or a built in patio grill, too!
9. Lawn Mowing Gift Certificate: Give your dad a break and hire someone to take care of his lawn this summer. Lawn services are also great pinch hitters when your dad is out of town or otherwise enjoying his weekends. 
10. Landscape / Hardscape Consultation & Design: Call in the experts. If he’s talked about a patio or landscape design and just hasn’t gotten around to it – place the call for him. Getting your dad a roadmap or plan for his dream landscape or patio is a great gift he will reference and use for years to come. 

Got a landscaping question?  Send it my way: mailto:PatchQuestions@GreenerSideLLC.com 

Be sure to follow us each week on Facebook and Twitter.

Aaron Gorski

Owner, The Greener Side Lawn & Landscaping, LLC