Gardening:
The Tools for Rose
Gardening Perfection
Like any job
you tackle, it's always easier if you have the right tools. Before
heading out to your rose garden, make sure you arm yourself with
these basic rose gardening tools.
Gloves
"You can
complain because a rose has thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns
have a rose." - Tom Wilson.
The rose garden is
no place for thin, wimpy gloves. Unless you enjoy feeling the thorns
pierce your skin, opt for leather work gloves with those big,
fold-down cuffs.
Pruners
A good pruner is
one tool that you will use almost daily. There are two types of
pruners on the market. One is called an "anvil" pruner, and
the other is called a "bypass" pruner. An anvil pruner has
blades that meet on top of each other. Bypass pruners have blades
that pass each other like scissors. Always use bypass pruners so you
don't crush your canes and stems.
Loppers
When your rose
garden starts to mature there will come a time when loppers will be
indispensable for cutting back old, thick canes that are too much for
pruning shears. If you are just starting your rose garden, save your
money, since you won't need this for a few years.
Kneeling Pads
Some people prefer
the big 8"x15" water-resistant pads with handles, while
others prefer strap-on knee pads. The kneepads are more convenient
because they move when you move, but the one-size-fits-all knee cups
may not work for you. In that case, the pad with handles should suit
you fine.
Short Digging Fork
This tool is
indispensable for turning and loosening soil in small patches. Choose
a good quality model with steel tines and a sturdy handle.
Watering Wand
Great for watering
potted roses and for giving your other roses a good root soaking.
Choose a model with a quick shutoff valve on the wand itself, and a
quick release fitting for the end that attaches to the hose. Spend
the money to get a wand with brass fittings instead of plastic. It
will last years longer.
Long-Handled Shovel
Choose a
lightweight model with a strong handle. Shovels with fiberglass
throats are good choices. Spend a few extra dollars and get one with
a padded handle, and it will save you lots of blisters as the years
go by.
Wheelbarrow
Avoid the
temptation to buy the cute garden "carts." You are going to
need a real wheelbarrow. As your gardening addiction--I mean
hobby--takes off there will be no end to the things you will be
hauling in and out of your garden. Some of those things will be very
heavy and you'll be glad that you have a real wheelbarrow to help you.
Garden Rake
This is the rake
with the sharp steel teeth that you use for leveling and smoothing
beds. Choose one with a sturdy handle and steel tines.
Leaf Rake
You'll use this
tool often for cleaning up clippings, leaves and other garden debris.
You may want to buy both a regular size rake, and one of the smaller
"child size" rakes for pulling debris from tight quarters.
You shouldn't have
any trouble locating these basic rose gardening tools. Your local
garden supply store will likely stock them, or if you don't mind
purchasing gently-used items, check out yard sales for your gardening
supplies. Enjoy yourself!
About The Writer
Ron King is a
full-time researcher and writer. Visit his gardening
site
to learn more about this popular gardening activity.
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