What's New in Gardening?

Every day I receive press releases from companies from around the US telling me about their newest products. Because we're not a commercial site (or at least we're not here to sell products) I have been reading them and filing them away without passing them on. But it occurs to me that many of us are looking for products and would appreciate the information. So this week I am going to pass along some of the more interesting products news I've received lately. If you like this idea, let me know and perhaps we can do it more regularly, or make it part of a newsletter.

Winter is here - but fall is not so long past that we have forgotten what a chore it was to haul in those heavy outdoor planters. But now you can buy some beautiful (and affordable) pottery that is guaranteed not to chip, crack, break of fade in temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero. American Design Pottery comes in several classic shapes and sizes, and in antique white, dark terra cotta and slate finishes. Best of all, it weighs 90% less than typical pottery, and so will be much easier on our backs and muscles should we want to play musical plants.

Fiskars is coming out with more and more in the way of ergonomic tools and garden helpers. Their new Hard Shell Kneeler has a crowned bottom which will allow you to swivel in place and work in comfort either seated or kneeling. It also has a handy hook that lets you hang it from your belt when moving around the garden, and retails for about $10-$12.

Another great helper from Fiskars us the Big Kangaroo Gardening container - a container that, when open is as large as a standard garbage bag, but which folds to a mere 4" stack when not in use. It is tear, uv- and mildew-resistant and much lighter than a garbage can - easy for you to tote around when weeding, trimming and deadheading. The suggested retail is about $25 and should be available in stores this spring. I have used a cheap generic version of this a couple of years ago and found it incredibly handy, if short-lived - this version should last you a long while. At the Garden Writers meeting in Toronto this fall, writers were snatching them up like mad!

Go To Page: 1 2 3