A good garden tool is half the battle in making a good garden

Press, 22 December 1978, Page 8

A good garden tool is half the battle in making a good garden

A trip around town to check on the availability of gardening tools and equipment can be most rewarding. A very good range and variety is on offer and it is gratifying to see that retail outlets habe realised the value of displaying their merchandise to best advantage.

In the past it sometimes was extremely doubtful whether the management of such establishments fully realised just w’hat impact a good display could impart on a willing customer.

Garden tools now embrace a very comprehensive range, particularly as there are so many facets to gardening apart from just digging the soil or cutting the hedge.

As it is there are no rules and regulations to comply with as to wha; should be included in the garden kitset. Much depends on the size and type of garden and the keenness or otherwise of

the owner. Another consideration is cost. For these reasons careful thought should always be given to what one buys particularly if starting from scratch.

Although it may seem an exaggeration to say that a good tool is haif the battle won, it is an indisputable fact that any

task is made considerably easier with a well constructed tool designed for the job.

A good tool usually costs more and although expense is not always the ultimate criterion for efficiency if not quality, it is usually money well spent. Time put into making

comparisons and selection is well worth while because a good purchase can last the average gardener a lifetime with a little care and attention and as such could be looked upon as an investment.

Balance is a vital attribute to many tools for it can make for easier and more efficient work. This applies particularly .to equipment such as spades, forks and hammers.

Different makes and types should be gauged by “feel” in much the same manner as would be applied to the purchase of a golf club or tennis racket — it has to suit the individual, depending on the individual’s size, strength and aptitude. Weight is closely allied to balance. Experience has proved that few, heavyduty tools of flimsy, light construction give satisfactory service. This must be treated with some reservation because, with the ever-improving techniques in processing metals, etc. for a multitude of purposes, there are some ex-