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Garden Gate:  Favorite Gardening Gear  |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 28 2005 : 2:21:57 PM
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April is almost here ladies, and gents! That means some serious gardening outdoors! I am wondering what your favorite tools are...Are they family heirlooms passed down that are special? I use my grandpa's old metal and wood rake and potato fork. I also have his old push tilling device. They are still very servicable and have that certain old look to them I love! Any favorite gardening clothes you always are drawn too? 'Alls and cotton tees for me, and old sneakers and workboots. How about hats and gloves? My hats have to have a chin strap because of the winds here. I like the Wells Lamont childs garden gloves. They seem to be the only ones that fit my very small hands. I also like the rubber garden clogs you can hose off at the end of a muddy day in the garden! I tend to store my garden gear haphazardly though, and it is frustrating when I can't find a certain tool.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
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sleepless reader
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
CA
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2005 : 5:49:38 PM
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Hmmmmm...I have a weeder that I bought at KMart for under $2 that I love. It has a little extra piece on the side that gives some "leverage" when pulling up weeds. I also have a new tool called a dandilion weeder. It has a long handle and a piece you step on to push it into the dirt. When you pull it up, it has pinched onto the weed and holds on, roots and all! I'm still looking for the best choice in gloves. I, too, love the garden clogs because I can kick them off, or hose them off. To wear? Usually overalls or capris and t's. I'm not as fond of gardening in shorts as I used to be.And I have a few old (ok, ancient) denim shirts for cooler days and evenings. Meadowlark, I have an old rake-head that I've hung on the garden fence. I hang a pair of gloves and the small hand tools on it so that i can just stop and "weed out a few" and not have to go hunt for tools!It looks good too.
Sharon |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2005 : 7:04:08 PM
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Sleepless Reader what a neat idea for organizing your tools and such! I have an old rake head too...and a wood fence...Thanks for the idea! Old denim shirts make great light jackets for chilly spring and fall days outside in the garden.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2005 : 8:15:43 PM
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I am for sure always wearing overalls and tshirts when I garden...and garden clogs..I have had the same old blue Birkenstock clogs for 12 years now! That was sure a good investment. If it is really muddy I will wear my "manure shoes"..old tennis just for that purpose.
I should really wear a hat, but have a biggish head..thick hair is part of that..and wonder if the MaryJane chore hat (or is it work hat) would still fit me okay..I really want a cute hat if I get one! Has anyone tried one to see how it is for size?
I wear cheap cotton womens garden gloves for pulling weeds and the like, more often I forget to wear gloves. My hands look like heck by autumn. I wear green leather chore gloves when I feed the animals..I keep them in the pockets of my old navy blue windbreaker that is just for chores. The hay just falls off it..I have about worn out those gloves..they are just right for me and my husband never steals them since they are too small for him..
I keep my garden tools in a stand he built for me..very simple..made from scrap 1X2 pine..it has a framework with field wire..like a square on its side over a square on its side with the wire stretched across both and corner peices that also form short legs. You just put the tools..handle first..down through the holes in the wire on top and bottom and they stand upright..looks organized, but is easy. I love it. He got the idea from a picture in a magazine.
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2005 : 04:49:39 AM
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I have small hands, too, and have found a pair of gardening gloves with rubber palms and cotton backs to let them breathe. I find the total rubber ones get too hot and the total cotton ones get too wet in the dirt. These, as Goldilocks might say, are just right.
I have thought of getting the rubber clogs many times but when I try them on at the garden store, they feel as if they would hurt - their are hard and stiff and do not bend. Have any of you found this to be true or do they get more comfortable as time goes on? I see most of you really like them. MAybe I have tried the wrong brand. I would love to have a pair that I could hose off, as I have gone through many pairs of reeboks (old) and am now using a pair of hiking boots that are split on the side. Now I want to get a pair of rubber clogs and try them out.
I usually wear jeans and a tank top - shorts in the summer, but have to have the bug repellent on! I wear big shirts, too, on the cool breezy days. I have a favorite denim that is almost white it is so old!
I can just picture you all in your gardens as I read your posts. Love the rake on the fence idea. All my tools are in the garage. My favorite tool is one my hubby put in my stocking at Christmas one year - a great pair of clippers with rubber handles from Brookstone. HAppy gardening today!
I'm going to pull weeds, stake tomatoes, and cut back my old broccoli.
jpbluesky
"Keep us here, all simply in the springing of the year." From A Prayer in Spring by Robert Frost |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2005 : 05:34:57 AM
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Love these posts girls...jp, I googled garden clogs and found some interesting choices...If you have problems with your feet hurting the clogs by justliners would be excellent! They are expensive but these would last for years! I bought a pair of Birkenstock rubber glogs 16 years ago and with the exception of fading and tooth marks from my dogs they still work for me! I do prefer the lower clogs because of my weak ankles. Aunt Jenny your DH built storage bin for the tools sounds neat!
http://www.justliners.com/gardenclogs.htm
http://www.midcitynursery.com/shopping/sloginfo.htm
http://rittenhouse.ca/asp/Product.asp?PG=922
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2005 : 05:52:00 AM
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Wow - thank you Meadowlark!
jpbluesky |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2005 : 10:40:37 AM
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LOL Lorij! A pole vaulting hoe! I am small stature so the small tools I definitly pay attention to! Your Vermont hoe sounds like a gem!( that sounds a little wierd doesn't it) Would love to see your flowers online! I am sure they are beautiful! I'll keep looking for them. We all need flowers in our lives...
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2005 : 12:31:40 PM
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I'll weigh in here on my favorites! They are Felco pruners, long red handled (padded) pruners from Smith and Hawkin , a sharp flat edged spade, and a good quality trowel that does not bend in half when you dig! Most of my hoes and rakes are hand me downs from my parents and husband's grandparents but they are all still good (but heavy!)I must say I do love that new telescoping lawn rake but haven't given in yet.
I have a sentimental favorite that I don't use but display . It was called a "Lady's Aide" and is shaped like a hand but is sort of trowel like in it's function. The really funny thing is that the "hand" is gloved with a lace cuff design stamped into the metal. Oh, those wacky victorians ! It had to look good too! My Mom found it years ago at a flea market for a few $, and now it hangs on a shaker peg rack that is topped with pictures of my favorite gardeners (Mom, my grandparents and son). My husband always laughs and says he expects this area to sprout into full bloom at any minute, I wish!
with a happy heart |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2005 : 2:13:40 PM
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Bramble, Felco pruners are to die for!!! I have always drooled over them in the Smith and Hawken catalogs... The "Ladies Aide" sounds precious. What a find. Your little garden corner sounds really great, like a breath of spring all year long. I like the idea of pictures displayed of fav gardeners! Gardeners are cool people!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2005 : 2:36:29 PM
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Some of the very best people I have ever known!
As for Felco pruners...WELL worth the investment. I have only had two pairs in 25 years and the first pair I lost! Tool maintenance could start a whole new topic but it is SO important to the effectiveness
and longevity of good tools.
with a happy heart |
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terese
True Blue Farmgirl
63 Posts
terese
chagrinfalls
ohio
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2005 : 2:43:43 PM
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beginnings |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Mar 31 2005 : 10:10:14 AM
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Like you, Bayoubunch, when I saw Terese's one word message, I thought perhaps her message was missing or moderated, but then that one word sitting there so simply spoke volumes to me!!!! A simple gift of a word for me to ponder.
beginnings......thank you!
jpbluesky
"Keep us here, all simply in the springing of the year." From A Prayer in Spring by Robert Frost |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Mar 31 2005 : 1:06:01 PM
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I think I noticed another post Terese where you left the word "beginnings", can't remember which topic it was... Gardening is full of beginnings...and with faith and hard work the endings are a bountiful harvest and beauty for the eyes and soul! Thanks for the simplicity of one word! Thanks Lorij for bringing this to light!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
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terese
True Blue Farmgirl
63 Posts
terese
chagrinfalls
ohio
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2005 : 09:50:52 AM
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Well ladies I wish I could say I am being profound but, quite frankly
sometimes my computer hits a glitch with the site and it sends out
beginnings only...maybe it is a message to us all....
beginnings |
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terese
True Blue Farmgirl
63 Posts
terese
chagrinfalls
ohio
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2005 : 09:52:38 AM
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O.k. ladies i wish i could say i am being profound but, sometimes my messages don't send properly...
i haven't quite figured out the problem. i am sure it is me....
perhaps it is a message that less is more..when it comes to talking.
beginnings |
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Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2005 : 10:07:25 AM
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Terese,
Scroll to the bottom of the page and just begin to type your message in the quick reply box. Then hit submit. Should work.
Eileen
songbird; singing joy to the earth |
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terese
True Blue Farmgirl
63 Posts
terese
chagrinfalls
ohio
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2005 : 12:26:53 PM
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for some reason when i respond ladies only by closure of beginnings comes through..so i am not really quite as profound as i am leading you to believe..i'll try again
beginnings |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2005 : 5:08:20 PM
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Terese,
Looks like you are truly having to begin and begin again! Lots of beginnings but no messages! Hope your glitch gets worked out! I do not have any suggestions other than agreeing with Eileen that the quick reply should work. Perhaps do not choose to include your signature in the little box beside your message, and see if your message goes through without it.
jpbluesky |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2005 : 11:56:41 AM
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Uh ladies... I never have a "quick reply" box! Do you think that means they know I'm long winded?!!! Therese keep trying it's good to hear from you! Are you getting geared up for Mother's Day? When I was in high school and college I worked at a florist and that was the florist's nightmare day but thankfully also very profitable. May you keep your cents and senses!
with a happy heart |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2005 : 3:49:07 PM
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Hang in there Terese...There are still things about this forum I am trying to figure out, like posting pictures. Some of your posts have gotten through so maybe with some more practice it will all flow.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
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PJJ
True Blue Farmgirl
95 Posts
Paula
Bristow
OK
USA
95 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2005 : 09:38:23 AM
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This was an "older" thread, but I'm really finding it useful, as I am having to start over with most -- nearly *all* -- my garden tools. My husband took most of them. But I am left with my personal favorite, a Japanese gardening knife I bought from Smith & Hawken probably 15 years ago. It's rusty now, but still very useful.
I, too, love Felco pruners. Will have to save up for a pair, as mine were lost in the divorce. :(
Paula J., with Ty, Cara, Brody, Blue, and Fidget |
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Garden Gate: Favorite Gardening Gear |
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Favorite Gardening Gear
