8 is a holistic container gardening kit that, in the designer’s words, “unites the social elements of food, ethical and moral issues about food production, and contemporary technology.” I love the classic, handmade quality of Derksen’s design. In this digital era when our hands hardly ever touch paper, designer Joel Derksen does a nice job of blending the tactile and technical.

With a contemporary sensibility, his aim was “to focus on the autumnal, cozy, and nostalgic feelings we get when we think about food.” Derksen’s 8 logo is elegantly applied to the packaging like a letterpress bookmark, and even carved into wood salad tongs, below.

8 is an entire holistic container gardening package. Gardeners receive all the tools and resources—both modern and rustic—that they need to be successful.

Along with gardening supplies, the kit contains an iPhone app, cookbook, dinner invitations, and access to an exclusive social networking site.

By shifting container gardening from a pastime to a lifestyle, Derksen makes gardening about more than just growing–it’s about the cultivation and celebration of friends, family, and nature–an invitation to enjoy the better things in life.

Hat tip:  The Dieline.