Local pro gardeners give us the dirt on their favorite tools.
By Morgan Lord
March 27, 2015, 1:01 pm
DRAMM SPRINKLER, $30, Ace Hardware, 5423 W. Devon Ave. “Most sprinklers throw water where it isn’t needed. This one has nine different water patterns to cover a lawn or garden of any shape.” -Kelly Matyas and Monika Burnham, owners, MK Landscape, mklandscaping.op@gmail.com
Photos: Courtesy of vendors
FELCO PRUNER, $85, Sprout Home “This all-purpose tool is great for cutting back perennials, and through burlap or small wire. Be sure to go with the scissors, or bypass, style rather than the anvil.” -Tim Johnson, director of horticulture, Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanic.org
ESSCHERT DESIGN KNEEPADS, $24, simplylovegardening.com “Some prefer to use kneeling pads, but I prefer to always have the pads on as I move around.” -Brian Miller, manager, Gethsemane Garden Center, gethsemanegardens.com
EXPANDABLE RAKES, $13–$17, leevalley.com “This rake telescopes, making it good for both large and small jobs. I use it to rake out perennial beds. I can get in between plants without damaging them, and am able to do so standing up, which my back and knees really appreciate.” -Michael Anderson, nurseryman, Sprout Home, sprouthome.com
GARDEN TOOL COMPANY TROWEL, $40, Chalet Nursery, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette "A trowel is perfect for picking large weeds and digging planting holes for small annuals and perennials." -Brian Miller
JULIETTE WHEELBARROW, $1,351, bouf.com “The deep bucket and sturdy tire help to move plants into the garden, waste out, and also to haul soil, stones, and mulch.”-Editor's Pick
HORI HORI KNIFE, $45, Sprout Home, 745 N. Damen Ave. “It’s super sharp; we use it to divide perennials, cut through roots, and tease and release roots that have overgrown in pots.” –Kelly Matyas and Monika Burnham
