Tried and true essentials the gardeners in your life would enjoy
Recently I was asked for gift suggestions for a gardener. The question was phrased, “When you do gardening work, what tools do you always want to have with you? What are your favorite things?”
It was easy for me to come up with my three most used and most appreciated items. Since the holidays are almost upon us, I thought I would share these with you.
My favorite trowel
My trowel has serrated edges which will cut small roots as you dig – useful for opening bags of mulch, too. The handle incorporates a gel material that makes it soft and non-slip. The gel flexes to provide cushioning when digging in compacted soil. The handle is angled for leverage but it won’t bend. Made of no-rust stainless steel. It’s the OXO Gel-e Trowel and it’s the absolute best trowel ever.
Just one thing about those serrated edges. If you’re careless, they will also cut your skin. You’ll need some decent gardening gloves to protect your hands.
Which brings me to…
My favorite gloves
So many people tell me that they know they should wear gardening gloves but every pair they’ve tried has been annoying in some way. Too bulky, too stiff, too thick – “the darned things just get in the way, so I end up taking them off and working in my bare hands.” I understand only too well.
I have never found the ideal gardening glove – until now. Atlas Nitrile Touch Gloves fit like a second skin. Comfortable, no irritating lumps or seams, flexible and form fitting. I forget that I have them on. These gloves are ultra thin so you can feel what you’re doing, yet the nitrile coating protects the palms and fingertips from gardening hazards.
Your hands will feel agile enough to use…
My favorite pruners
Felco makes good quality pruners in general, but my preference is the small Felco 12 Ergonomic Pruner with rotating handle. Sometimes I spend cool winter days pruning and thinning clients’ boxwoods for hours at a time, and ill-fitting pruners would end up hurting my hands. These pruners fit my small hands very well, and the rotating handle allows my fingers to move naturally so I don’t get hand fatigue or blisters. It apparently takes 30 percent less effort to use these pruners compared to conventional models.
I suspect that my favorites could easily become the favorites of your gardening friends and family. I wish you happy holidays and joyful gifting.