I went to HD today and found a metal lathing covered with pvc. The company claim its not going to rust. The bloddy thing was pretty expensive but I'll give it a try. too curious wondering if concrete will react like the galvanized one. by the way tango did you ever pasted the recipe(s) you are using for the faux bois? very nice explanation tango. your so good to us ;o) eventually i'll reach your level :o) I bet a long way to learn is infront of me ;o)

:) Well, on seeing all these excellent replies, I can see I overlooked a lot of things I do just have to have. They've covered most of it, but I'd like to add a few more things to that medicine dropper ... Trifocals with 500 magnification, and lots of bright light to work in are definitely needed if you're over 50, well say over 60. Forget the lights for plants here, this is light to see by. I've been thinking about that magnifying glass Stitz mentioned, but haven't popped for it yet, since I'm sure it would have hidden itself somewhere any time I needed it. Your own personal sink so you can have all the water you need without bumping into people or waiting for them to move out of your way when you're in a hurry. And space to leave stuff spread around in. Untouched by anyone else!!! Burning holes in plastic pots with a soldering iron is a really useful task. Orchids do appreciate the extra holes, as Mr. B says. However, I only found out I needed that this summer. A propane torch makes quick work of sterilizing tools. You do have to find a place for it where little hands can't find it, and you may have to persuade someone you won't be using to set fire to anything, honest, etc etc. But it's indispensable. (And haven't burned myself yet) A broom and dustpan of your very own-- you'll be using it often to clean up messes nearly everywhere. And a big thirsty dog towel for when the bucket handle breaks or the water can jumps out of your hand. LOL. Even the messes are fun, smittee.

I have to buy cheap Fiskar pruners as I lose them constantly. I love my newish Corona pruning saw. All those nasty bow saws are gone! Between the two are the loppers. Only on the second pair in 30 years. Handles are bolted to the working bit rather than fitted and riveted. Used to think loppers essential but maybe pruners and a saw I can handle are enough! I use cheap knives for cutting ornamental grasses, would a Japanese knife work better? Pruners are a pain with grass. My trowel is a pretty decent one cost $15 20 years ago, cannot bend it. I use a garden fork with a long handle and a tiny shovel with a long handle equally. Both essential. A garden rake and a leaf rake are essential for building beds and cleaning lawns and beds of leaves. I prefer the collapsing metal leaf rakes. Have a couple of those 'stabbers'. It failed to get out a baby agave this morning, will have another go tomorrow. Surprisingly useful, should have it out and visible anytime I'm digging/weeding but not essential for me. My scuffle hoe is great when weeding vegetable beds with young plants but I generally pick weeds by hand. I wouldn't consider one to be essential. Here a number of hoses are crucial tools. I rotate them through from front to back to vegetable garden as they bite the dust. /So hose splitters are essential, really need a couple hoses per bib! Most recent hose is a super heavy black rubber one that stays flexible even after cold water is run through so is a pleasure to put away but it's only a couple years old, no idea how well it will last. Other hoses last for decades. Be sure to buy the proper length. If you need 50' then don't buy 100'. I tried winders and hose pots but am looping on hangers these days. Since you can just wind around a good sized pot such things aren't essential purchases. Just tossed my ancient water wands and they won't be replaced and am using a freebie trigger water sprayer. Sometimes I think my thumb is better than those sprayers anyway. That plus an old sock tied to the end of the hose for a bubbler and I'm set. I gave up on commercial lawn sprinklers and built one with a standard lawn sprinkler head and PVC so I can have the half circle low throw that works best for me. Hands. Most important garden tool. Protect with some sort of gloves. I've decided cheap is best as I am wearing out the index fingers no matter how good the glove is supposed to be so buy a multi pack and toss as those fingers wear out. I use nitrile coated that more or less fit as sloppy gloves are annoying in the extreme. Lawn tools? Small lawns so a corded electric works fine. It replaced the manual reel that couldn't get through St. Augustine or cut rye flower stalks. Loved that mower but it couldn't do the job so bye bye. A strimmer is in the garage but hasn't been used for years as I use my hands to pull stray runners because St. Augustine will build up a regular dike if trimmed flush with paving. Loved it on Bermuda grass though. A corded electric blower is essential. Sweeping will only get you so far on door mats and blowing works better around pots on patios too. The wheelbarrow was taken apart this week. I hadn't used it for years. Okay the wheel was flat and too small but I really didn't miss it. When I need to move heavy bags I turn them end over end or use a furniture mover. Haven't moved loose stuff since we got rid of the truck and would get a two wheeled cart if I need to move such stuff. Home Depot has an incredible deal annually on a small one by Ames but I resisted. This year. I think a hand truck would be better than a furniture mover but that's what I've got. I use a concrete mixing trough more than the wheelbarrow for mixing as it's more stable. Was bought as a dog wading pool so multipurpose. A tool rack is useful too. Couple years ago I made one from large PVC fittings I've been hoarding that resembles this Never enough wall space and leaning things makes for a tangle. This sort of thing keeps things straight and untangled for the first time since I started outdoor gardening.

HI... I thought that I put a post here... wonder where I did? I actually got the package on the 14th I remember because it was flag day.... I will repost.. THank you so much Paula, for the great box.. I rec. delphin. (sp) and I have always wanted these as well as two coreopsis. An awesome Frog statue for my mantle and a bell chime.. Deb included a picture of herself and what a hottie!!! I can't wait to get the film developed to see the gardens I am just trying to use up the film as not to waste it.. I am super glad that everyone had so much fun and I am sorry it took so long.. Maybe next time I can think of something that won't be so confusing Oh yeah I hit the jackpot with all the great seeds you all included... Thanks again for playing.. I am sorry that the post never showed I am truely appreciative.. Laura