skip to main content

Cottage Gardens

The right tool for the right job

17 years ago

I got home from work this afternoon, changed clothes and and tackled pruning Scratch (my pet name for my thorny bougainvillea). This thing has inflicted some nasty injuries on me in the past using hand-held pruners. But I recently bought a pair of Fiskars Power-Lever bypass loppers ($20 on sale). What had taken me a couple of hours and countless wounds with the wrong tool only took about 30 minutes this eveing. Not a Scratch on me!

Another new tool has proven to be indespensible. I bought this sturdy little rake, about the size and shape of a whisk broom. It's perfect for cleaning out debris under low plants, and particularly useful for raking mulch aside to lay down fresh compost. It's cut the time I spend doing this chore in half. Lowes, $4.99.

Tell me about your favorite labor and time saving gadgets.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

goldenpond
17 years ago
HaHa! I stopped to visit my mom she greeted with a pair of antique shrub clippers complete with antler handles! She wanted me to trim her Big Bad Bougie before the trash man came.We wrestled it and got the worst of it to the side of the road in time.
FlowerLady6
17 years ago
I use hand clippers, and a pole clipper on our boug. What a 'pain' those dang thorns are, worse than roses. It sounds like you got a couple of good garden tools. Enjoy.

FlowerLady
Related Discussions
Master bathroom gut job - does my estimate seem right?
Q
Comments (3)
You need more input and quotes. Only you can decide whether to spend $53,000 vs $ 123,000 though and whether it is worth the money. Things usually run over and can do so considerably so you need to budget more. Research your hires extremely well! Do not proceed off the cuff, without detailed drawings - for both the inside and outside if you opt for an addition. They not only serve as communication tools for all involved but help/make the professional think things through.
...See More
Demolition is the least important part of the job, right?
Q
Comments (3)
We're general contracting ourselves, also...and during the demolition I was there, watching like a hawk over everything. And supervising every last bit of drywall and wall framing that was removed. Basically, you have to do what a GC would have done anyways...hire good people, and watch them carefully.
...See More
Once again, a so called pro, has no idea how to do the job right.
Q
Comments (8)
Tundra Finish Works LLC, I hired what was supposed to be a professional Armstrong LVT installation company. What I got was a subcontractor that clearly was not skilled enough to perform that installation. Yes, my installation is under full warranty - I have that in writing. And it WILL be fixed, on THEIR dime. My "once again" is a reflection of HOW OFTEN many supposedly "quality" companies, perform a POOR job. Each "screw up" I have experienced, has been addressed and resolved, eventually. But in several cases, had I not been informed enough to know there was a problem, it would not have been fixed until there was a problem down the road. THIS is what I have an issue with. The homeowner has to know how to do the work...before he hires someone to do the work. THAT is a fact today.
...See More
A New Good Gadget Thread--and Cheese
Q
Comments (35)
Foodonastump, funny you should ask. I never did use the stirrer thing. Upon inspection I decided that it was too whimpy for anything but the lightest of sauces/batters. A whisk works just fine and doesn't require batteries. The spatuala thermometer has never been used because I can't pull-out the platic strip protecting the battery that powers the thermometer. I tried taking out the battery box, and can't get that out either. Right now it is laying on my side cabinet in hopes that someday the grandson who loves such challenges will come to visit and get it to working. yeonassky: I have a tool called a 'seal breaker'. You use it like a can opener to break the seal on too tight lids and it works every time.
...See More
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
17 years ago
Sheep shears - indispensible for shearing back heathers, lavender, candytuft, sunroses etc. after bloom and the best lawn edgers ever invented. Those and my rotating handle Felcos are two tools I'd never be without!
aftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
17 years ago
40+ years ago we moved to the house we are still in today, I found an old nursery trowel in the yard, it is still my favorite tool today, gone through a couple of handles though. I also have a little wire hand rake that I find indispensable.

A......
gonativegal
17 years ago
I like to use something I call a small hand-held maddox for digging up weeds, especially the tough ones with a heavy root system like clover, black medic, garlic mustard. You can usually find them at home depot for about 14.99 or so.
irene_dsc
17 years ago
My perennial spade - the perfect size for me. D-ring handle, long narrow slightly curved blade. Not a terribly well-made one (I got it at Target, of all places!) but it has served me well...
todancewithwolves
17 years ago
My favorite is my adjustable rake. I love it!

Then there's my pruners, can't live without them.

I bought an electric hedge trimmer at a garage sale last year. I love it too.

Heck...I love tools...any kind.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Set the Right Mood With the Right Lines

By Design With Science

Soothe with curves or go straight-up efficient. Learn the effects of lines in rooms to get the feeing you’re after

DESIGN PRACTICE Design Practice: How to Pick the Right Drawing Software

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Learn about 2D and 3D drawing tools, including pros, cons and pricing — and what to do if you’re on the fence

DECORATING GUIDES Choose the Right Doorknob for the Job

By Samantha Schoech

Your home's entire style may just turn on the right doorknob. These examples can help you select wisely

CLOSETS Get Your Broom Closet Just Right

By Laura Gaskill

The Hardworking Home: Make cleanup easier with storage space that neatly organizes your equipment and supplies

BATHROOM DESIGN 10 Top Tips for Getting Bathroom Tile Right

By By Any Design Ltd.

Good planning is essential for bathroom tile that's set properly and works with the rest of your renovation. These tips help you do it right

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Choose the Right Toilet

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Style, seat height, flushing options, color choice and more will help you shop for the right toilet for you

REMODELING GUIDES Finish Your Remodel Right: 10 Tasks to Check Off

By Laura Gaskill

Nail down these key details to ensure that everything works properly and you’re all set for the future

PAINTING Bulletproof Decorating: How to Pick the Right Kind of Paint

Choose a paint with some heft and a little sheen for walls and ceilings with long-lasting good looks. Here are some getting-started tips

WORKING WITH PROS How to Hire the Right Architect

By Dylan Chappell Architects

Your perfect match is out there. Here’s how to find good candidates — and what to ask at that first interview

WORKING WITH PROS How to Hire the Right Architect: Comparing Fees

By Dylan Chappell Architects

Learn common fee structures architects use and why you might choose one over another

Sponsored

Hope Restoration & General Contracting

35 Reviews

Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations