1. Garden Books
Gardening books are always a treasure as well as absolutely necessary resources. Here's a list of some of the best I've used and enjoyed.2. Garden Tool Tote
Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber.
Garden totes have become de facto tools. The question is whether to have a garden tote, but which style. And there are many to choose from. Important features are size (you want to be able to lift it, let alone carry it), sturdy construction and ease of organizing what's in the tote.
For me, one of the most practical totes is the 6 pocket canvass tote and this one, by Bracken Creek, is especially functional. It's made of natural cotton canvas, which is strong and rip resistant. The outer pockets keep your hand tools handy and the bucket style makes it easy to find all the extras, like markers, string and ties, that you'll toss in there. The bottom has drainage holes. Hopefully you won't need them while your tools are in there.
3. Orchid Plant
Photo: © Marie Iannotti.
Orchids bloom for months and the Phalaenopsis or moth orchid, like the one shown here, are actually pretty easy to grow. Pair the plant with a book on orchids, like Bloom Again Orchids, and you've got a really thoughtful gardener's gift that keeps on giving.
4. Portabella Mushroom Kit
Photo: lizerixt / stockxchng.
5. Cedar Potting Bench
Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber.
Made of weather resistant cedar, this is a well thought out, very practical potting table with a 48" x 25" x 36" work surface that includes a covered soil bin and a draw for storing small items. The lower self is large enough for bags of soil and fertilizer and the small upper shelf if perfect for pots.
A top shelf holds pots and tools. I have a similar model and it’s just so nice to have a designated area for making the mess that potting entails. You do have to assemble it, but the holes are pre-drilled and the screws are included. Dimensions: 48" L x 25" W x 55" H
6. Cascade Gardens™ Adjustable Height Trellis
Photo Provided by Cascade Gardens.
7. Garden Bench
A bench makes a garden look finished and these benches from the Essex Design Collection are inviting enough that you may actually use them. They’re made of shorea (bankarai), a heavier wood in the teak family that shares teak’s durability. It won’t rot and doesn’t require finishing, however it will fade to gray if left untreated. [p]Requires assembly, but if I can do it, you can do it. Comes in 4', 6' or 8' models as well as a curved version (83").8. Foxgloves Gardening Gloves
I still love these gloves. I tried my first pair about 5 years ago. It took me two years to poke through a finger and I used them pretty much every day. They're flexible enough to do delicate work, yet still protect your hands. If only they were water-proof.For the cooler months and when I need something more heavy duty, I'd recommend West Country Gardener's Waterproof Gloves are rugged and warm. They're wonderful for fall garden clean-up and early spring chores.
