Gardener’s Wish List

If you’ve been getting by with tools from the 99-cent bin, now’s the time to equip yourself with the right stuff.

In the digging department, it’s hard to beat the Smith & Hawken gardener’s tool set ($39), including trowel, transplanting trowel and cultivator fork, along with gardener’s soap and leather gloves in a nifty wood case. For major jobs, consider going all out and splurging for Bosmere’s digging spade ($72.98), border fork and border spade ($69.98 each). Though they look almost too pretty to use, these tough puppies are made of ash wood and stainless steel that resists rust and clinging clay. Should you ever manage to break one, Bosmere will replace it.

When it comes to pruning, another must-have is the graceful little Japanese pull saw, in its own wood sheath ($35), which stands up to years of rugged use. And for anybody with weak hands, an alternative to conventional pruners is Corona’s two-handed pruning shear ($34.95).

GARDENER’S WISH LIST
Even those of us whose idea of high-fashion gardening apparel is ragged T-shirts and moldy sneakers need a good hat that can stand up to sun. Cindirco’s raffia straw lifeguard hat ($12.99) is big and floppy and keeps its shape even when you accidentally run over it with the wheelbarrow.

The other essential (if you have roses) are rose gloves, the most delectable of which are Smith & Hawken’s elbow-high garden gloves ($39), in a gauntlet design made of soft, medium-weight goatskin.