If it's really the thought that counts, the eight ideas below should go far with the gardeners and earth-lovers on your holiday list. Each combines real utility with meaningful ties to people and places around southern New England.

River clay planting pots: Madison potters Anita Griffith and Robert Parrott made a chance visit to the Kane brickyard in Middletown one day 25 or so years ago-and found themselves with a lifetime supply of red shale clay from the Connecticut River. They happened to visit on the last day that Kane was in business.

Now, Griffith and Parrott continue to produce pottery with a rustic flair from their once-in-a-lifetime find.

I own some of these pots and can honestly say plants love to grow in them. Reach Griffith and Parrott at (203) 245-7837 or email ct2potters@comcast.net.

Amaryllis bulbs in bulk: What's not to like about a plant to offers brilliant, giant blossoms indoors during winter? If the price of amaryllis bulbs give you pause, however, check out a bulk purchase from Bridgeport bulb wholesaler Colorblends. Pot the bulbs individually before giving them as gifts. Their new owners need only add water.

Shop at Colorblends.com or call (888) 847-8637. Hint: The bulbs sell out. Last-minute shoppers may be disappointed.

Precision digging tools: When Daniel Mathieu of Windsor, was in his 80s with replacement hips and knees, he found the garden a challenge. Then he did what any good inventor would do: He created a new tool, the Spear Head Spade.

Fast forward five years. Thousands of the US-built spades have been shipped by the Connecticut-based company run by Mathieu's son Julien. See www.SpearHeadSpade.com to learn about the three models, find a retail outlet or order online. Call (860) 688-3280.

High quality pruners: The pruners manufactured and sold by Florian Tools of Southington work like a car jack, using leverage to increase the power of the pruning cut while reducing hand strain. Result: People with arthritis, carpal tunnel or diminished hand strength can continue to enjoy gardening. The company offers four models of Ratchet-Cut®. See http://store.floriantools.net or call (860) 628-9643.

Gift certificates for 2015 seeds: Three regional companies offer gift certificates for next year's seeds. Scheepers' www.KitchenGardenSeeds.com of Bantam, offers a wide variety of heirloom and rare vegetable varieties. See www.SelectSeeds.com of Union for heirloom and rare flowers.

For something truly regional, take a look at Project Native of Housatonic, Mass. They are the only organization I know that collects New England seeds and packages them for sale to the public. The gift certificates are good for their meadow mixes as well as native nursery plants next season and other products. Visit www.ProjectNative.com, email lkratt@projectnative.org or call (413) 274-3433 from 9 to 3, Monday-Friday, before December 18.

Seed packets: Colorful seed packets make terrific stocking stuffers. Hart Seeds has an outlet in the parking area behind it main offices at 304 Main St., Old Wethersfield. They are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 8 to noon Saturday 8 to 12. Call ahead at 1-800-326-4278.

Across the street from Hart at 263 Main St., is the Comstock Ferre/Baker Creek seed store, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday-Friday. It is closed on Saturday. Call (860) 571-6590 or visit www.rareseeds.com/get-to-know-baker-creek/comstock-ferre.

Rain barrels: Beverly O'Keefe, the Rhode Island Water Lady, offers rain barrels, as well as accessory kits and two sizes of downspout diverters. I visited her earlier this year and stocked up on some large barrels made from food-grade plastics. Shop at her West Kingston, R.I., location until December 24. (Best to call ahead.) Delivery options are available. See www.RIWaterLady or call (401) 539-0667.

Composting systems: Unconventional, perhaps, but most gardeners would love to add some high quality worm compost to garden soil. Nancy Warner of Charlestown, R.I., offers red wiggler composting worms and composting systems from her web site, www.WormLadies.com. Order online or call Warner at (401) 322-7675 before December 21.

Enjoy your shopping!

KATHY CONNOLLY IS A LANDSCAPE DESIGNER, GARDEN WRITER AND SPEAKER FROM OLD SAYBROOK. HER WEB SITE IS WWW.SPEAKINGOFLANDSCAPES.COM.