Edwina von Gal's Essential Gardening Tools and Essentials

Strategic Insights -

Edwina von Gal shares her cherished gardening implements and garments, from the "world's best trowel" to her favorite gloves and hat. She reveals the significance behind each tool, highlighting their unique features and how she incorporates them into her gardening routine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Le Chameau boots are Edwina's go-to choice for gardening, offering a wide mouth that allows her to slip them on and off without using her hands, as well as a comfortable cut and a sailor-style closing.
  • The Lesche hori knife is a must-have for serious gardeners, with a serrated edge for cutting roots and a flat, sharp edge for weeding.
  • The A.M. Leonard No Blist'r trowel is considered the "world's best trowel," with a one-piece design that prevents it from breaking and a red handle for easy identification.
  • Edwina recommends spraying Natrapel picaridin insect repellent on herself rather than the property, as it's considered a least-toxic repellent and is long-lasting.
  • The leather garden tool belt has been a trusty companion for Edwina, with a heavy-duty design that has evolved over the years to become broken-in.
  • The ARS Utility Scissors 340 are suitable for making surgical cuts, particularly when working with Heliopsis helianthoides, which produce teeny-weeny sunflowers that last for weeks in a vase.
  • Edwina's vintage chore coat from France is a treasured possession, serving as a practical storage container for various gardening tools and supplies.
  • The Felco 2 pruning shears are a long-time favorite, with replaceable parts and a notch for wire cutting.
  • Showa Atlas nitrile gloves protect Edwina's hands from the elements and provide tactile feedback while gardenings.
  • The Sloggers wide-brimmed hat is essential for Edwina, providing good air circulation and being made with functionality in mind.

Statistics:

  • Edwina has had the Le Chameau boots for 30 years.
  • She recommends the ARS Utility Scissors 340 for making surgical cuts.
  • The Felco 2 pruning shears have been a part of Edwina's gardening toolkit for an unspecified number of years.
  • Showa Atlas nitrile gloves keep Edwina's hands warm while gardening in cold soil.
  • The A.M. Leonard No Blist'r trowel is considered the "world's best trowel."

Sources:

*

Edwina von Gal: Personal interview and source material.

  • Dianne Benson: "Dirt: The Lowdown on Growing a Garden with Style" (1994)
  • ARS Utility Scissors 340: Product information and user manual.
  • Felco 2 pruning shears: Product information and user manual.
  • Showa Atlas nitrile gloves: Product information and user manual.
  • Sloggers wide-brimmed hat: Product information and user manual.