Garden catalogs are already here

Why wait for 2011? There's no need to wait for the ball to drop in Times Square to start the new year. Burpee has already introduced 2011, online at least.

At Burpee.com, you can order the new tomato collections, zinnia mixes and sunflower hybrids for next summer. If that seems like rushing the season a bit, Burpee isn't alone. Lots of seed and plant companies -- including High Country Gardens, Bluestone Perennials and Wayside Gardens -- are sending their catalogs or posting their new introductions online earlier every year. The only problem for Minnesota gardeners? We have one less thing to look forward to in January.

Gift that keeps on living It's not too late to give a Tribute Tree to honor a family member, friend or co-worker this holiday season. In spring, the Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County will plant a single tree ($100) or three trees ($250) in a city or county park in Ramsey County. Your recipient will get a hand-stamped holiday card announcing your gift. And, after the trees are planted, they'll get a map showing the location of "their" tree.

If you're a procrastinator, don't worry. You can give a Tribute Tree any time of the year.

For more information, call 651-698-4543 or go to: friendsoftheparks.org.

CONNIE NELSON

Gnome go home Garden gnomes, those plaster fellows resembling visitors from Snow White's neighborhood, have become hot commodities in some quarters. So hot, in fact, that there's a new tongue-in-cheek book about them titled "How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack" (Ten Speed Press, $14.99).

I've never seen a gnome (though I do remember one that had a role in the movie "Amélie"), so I don't know if they do indeed attack. But author Chuck Sambuchino wants you to be alert, just in case.

If you're into garden gnomes, then this might be the book for you. If not, it would be perfect for one of those holiday parties where you bring a silly gift, knowing full well it'll probably be regifted next year.

JIM WILLIAMS