I’ve noticed there’s nothing gardeners like more than talking about their tools - the ones that disappoint us and the ones we’re devoted to, almost weirdly devoted to. Don’t even TALK about separating us from our favorites; it’s bad enough we lose them occasionally, despite our resolutions to the contrary. If I only had a fiver for every trowel I’ve lost.
But no use rehashing all those sad losses. Today I’m showing off my faves, starting with the best trowel ever. It’s the one that’s tough enough not to bend when I exert my (uncanny) strength on it. The one that digs easily because it’s pointed. The one that doubles as a measuring stick. Damn smart tool, and I use it even more than my beloved Felcos (#2, please.) Doesn’t it look lovely here, posed like a garden ornament? Well, why not.
Next up, my expendables. You’ve seen these gloves praised before so I
won’t repeat; I’m just happy to have found the four pair I just bought to replace the ones with missing fingertips. But the steak knives are making their debut here as objects of my affection. Best damn tool for dividing perennials I’ve ever found. Liriope? Slices through those roots like butta. These and two others (total outlay, $2) should last me the next season.
See what optimistic, forward-looking people we gardeners are? Planting those bulbs, laying in the supplies. Getting ready for SPRING.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Carol 11.17.06 at 10:34 pm
That is a fine looking trowel, there. I love a good gardening tool.
Miz S 11.18.06 at 8:14 am
Somebody’s buying her gloves at Behnke’s, I see.
Kathy J., Washington Gardener mag 11.19.06 at 6:18 pm
Anyone else a non-cook like me and use kitchen implements in the garden? Then put them in the dishwasher and back in the drawer? Yep, I use my good knives, ice cream scoop, etc. Hey, they’d hardly see the light of day if I didn’t!
JackO 11.26.06 at 12:29 am
Great trowel, who makes it and where can I get one? (or did I miss that)
Teacher 12.07.06 at 7:08 pm
Where do you buy that cool trowel? I want to buy one for someone for Christmas.
michael jones 08.14.07 at 8:50 am
There are really some very important things about gardeners. Of course the first are the tools but for each one who is a professional the other thing is the garden furniture. It is something very special and important for the good looking house and of course garden. A lovely post