West County Landscape Gloves (Photo courtesy West County Gloves)
With the shopping season upon us, some may be looking for gift ideas for gardeners. I think gardeners are easy to buy for. A gift card to a local garden center, for instance, can be used in spring for a new plant, tool, pot, load of compost or whatever else the recipient might want.
Although gloves may be considered too practical for a gift, there are a couple on the market that are fabulous. I never used to wear gloves when I gardened and now I wear them about all the time unless I’m planting very small plants.I went the glove route after grabbing one too many slugs – yuk – or clumps of stinging nettle – ouch. Here are two of my favorites, each of which I’ve had for several years:
- West County Gardener Landscape Gloves can handle heavy tasks, such as moving stones, as well as planting and weeding. They are made of coated Kevlar, with padded palms and reinforced fingers. They are very comfortable and do not cause my hands to sweat. Machine wash, air dry. Sizes for men and women. Cost: $28.
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Recently laundered 3-year-old Bionic Elite Garden Gloves © Photo Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
Bionic Elite Garden Gloves are made of leather with pads in all the right places to prevent blisters when digging soil and other tough tasks. These comfortable gloves do not cause my hands to sweat. Machine wash, air dry. Sizes for men and women. Cost: $35.
Also on the practical gift list:
- A no-flat wheelbarrow tire is not very glamorous, but it is one of the best investments I made. I no longer have to worry about a flat wheel on the wheelbarrow. There are several brands, some of which are solid Polyurethane and some that have a dense core. Available at hardware stores, garden centers and on line retailers. Cost: $20 to $40, depending on wheel size.
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Corona Clipper Ergonomic Bypass Pruner (Photo courtesy Corona Clipper)
Corona Clipper Ergonomic Bypass Pruner, BP 3640, is made of forged, high-carbon steel. This pruner has a bit of heft to it, but is comfortable in the hand and works extremely well on branches up to three-fourths inch diameter. Available at garden centers and on line retailers. Cost: $15.