This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
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Firstly the RHS top garden product of 2017 was the Pure Glass Greenhouse. This robust, frameless design breaks away from tradition, maximising the amount of sunlight that can get to plants, and offered elegant design for gardens. I have always wanted a greenhouse but can’t find a place for it in my garden that gets good sunlight and is not obtrusive. However this one comes in a variety of sizes. I may have to put it on my very long ‘wish list’.
A good pair of pruners is vital if you grow roses however this one from Felco can handle small trees and shrubs. Owners say it’s worth it to spend a little extra on the Felco F-2 Classic
Manual Hand Pruner, and many say they’ll never buy another brand when it’s time to tame small trees and shrubs. They sing the praises of this 8 1/2-inch pruner for its ability to slice through branches up to an inch thick without jamming or dulling the blade. The Felco F-2 has hardened steel blades, a forged aluminum handle and an adjustable alignment. The rubberised handle has shock-absorbing pads to keep work comfortable, and reviewers say it does that effectively. Some recommend other Felco models for smaller hands—particularly the F-6—or those with joint problems, who will appreciate the rotating and ergonomic handles of the F-7 and F-8 pruners. Another favorite feature is a sap groove that helps prevent sticking. This pruner is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Another finalist for the RHS top garden product of 2017 was the Burgon & Ball hip trug – an ingenious, wearable trug that simply clipped to clothing comfortably, leaving people’s hands free for harvesting and deadheading.
The Wilcox Stainless Steel Garden Trowel earns raves from users for being nearly indestructible, even after years of potting, planting, and ligh
t digging. Though many gardeners love the versatility of the largest 14-inch trowel, it is also available in nine, 10, and 12 inches for more delicate tasks such as weeding near delicate plants. Each one is backed with a lifetime warranty. Experts with The Sweethome attribute the Wilcox trowel’s longevity to its single-piece steel construction, which leaves no joints to break or rust. But beyond being durable, it’s also very effective and can even be used in place of a soil knife, while retaining its skill at more digging-intensive jobs. Users agree, saying it’s sharp enough for effective digging. They also like the easy-to-grip handle and convenient leather wrist loop.
Finally the Bamboo Working gloves are the business – they are flexible and fit like a second skin. These gloves have bare hand sensitivity and proven abrasion resistance. They are soft and breathable and bamboo keeps your hands cool but still with a high level of protection. Finally bamboo is a natural product which grows without any pesticides or fertilizers. It is by nature hypoallergenic and antibacterial.
So no excuses now to not get out in your garden and enjoy these tools which will make the work easier and even more enjoyable.