Hard-working — and often abused — garden tools such as pruners (also known as secateurs) need some pampering to be rejuvenated and at the ready for next time around, especially before being put away for the winter. A thorough cleaning and sharpening now will ensure the pruning you do next spring is performed smoothly and easily, without damage to your plants. Think of it as a … [Read more...] about How to care for garden tools
Garden tools
A bird on a wire
I opened the door Saturday morning, and despite a fresh snowfall, I knew it was almost spring, because there was a mourning dove sitting on the hydro wire and the pungent odor of skunk in the air. These are traditional signs of imminent spring in my neighbourhood. I made the rounds of woody shrubs in the front and back gardens to check on bud development, and was pleased to … [Read more...] about A bird on a wire
Tools you’ll need to work on paths and walkways
The Summer 2010 issue of Garden Making features an article on building paths and walkways, with advice from landscape architect Ken Nentwig of Ontario on how to select materials and design paths. If you decide to install a path or walkway yourself, here are some of the tools you should have on hand, according to Nentwig: Carpenter’s spirit level: to ensure gentle … [Read more...] about Tools you’ll need to work on paths and walkways