back to topic. I have to say my favorite is my mower. I hate to cut the grass, boring job but this beast does it very fast so I can spend more time in the garden. It is a 48" Snapper walk behind(old).

But in the garden I like my garden fork...never met one I could break. The newest kid on the block is the Lesche Digging tool. I used it for 8 hours (along with the fork), my hands/arms never felt fatigue....can't say the same for my back.

I have 2 Asian pears started for my espalier, I'm thinking I'll use post and pipes or emt to build that one. Your Lesche Digging tool is about like my Hori knife.

Eric4home said:I have 2 Asian pears started for my espalier, I'm thinking I'll use post and pipes or emt to build that one. Your Lesche Digging tool is about like my Hori knife.

Asian pear nice, if time allows please post a pix. I might start one this spring

Yes our tools are similar. I like the offset handle, it really gives me a bit more leverage. Some complain that it is not sharp enough but I am glad it is not. If it were, I would have many stab wounds:)

The serrated side of my knife is a little sharp, but you'd be hard pressed to injure yourself with it.
For tough jobs, i have a cuttle fish hoe, given to me by Papa John, many moons ago.


These things are kick-aster. You can dig and chop.

Anyone know what kind of bird this is? Thinking about sanding it, painting it, plopping it pondside.

The style suggest bluebird, possibly. Since the size is disproportionate you could decorate it to resemble anything..

I kind of like it the way it is...

I agree, bluebird or sparrow, could stretch to being a robin... Or what about treating it like the cows, pigs, horses, etc. that I've seen around various cities at different times, decorated in some highly imaginative fashion? You could paint it blue with white daisies, or whatever pops into your head. Given the size, that might turn out better than trying for "realistic."

@ Eric4home, nice hand tool, looks very durable and useful. I could have used that yesterday, many hours in the garden weeding.

Where did you get you Asia Pears. I am off hunting for one.

Mine came from here: http://www.henryleuthardtnurse...
They arrived in very good condition and grew well.

Eric4home said:Mine came from here: .....NGA made me remove site....
They arrived in very good condition and grew well.

I failed to find one today but did drop a tad too much coin anyway. I got a Harry Lauder Walking Stick, for my wife's birthday. I think it cost too much for a plant but she really like it last year, I plan to plant it so she can see it when she comes home from work.

I liked the link you sent, probably best to order in the fall.Do you agree or think there is still time this year?

A few weeks ago I saw an idea for a 3 section trellis at a garden in the historic town of Middleburg when Bonnie and I were walking from the dr's office where she works to a deli for lunch. Thought it would be a fairly simple DIY project. I already had 3 trellis sections from Lowes - purchased last year for clematis that I haven't gotten around to planting yet. Mike picked up the 4 x 4 posts a few days ago. I plan to stain the posts black to match the trellis sections, but have to wait for the pressure treated lumber to dry out first. Minimum is 30 days, but I'll probably wait 60-90 days to be safe.

Beautiful Teri!

Charlie, if they're ready to ship, now should be early enough.

Another simple little project recently is this gazebo thingy that I got on sale at Aldis. It is actually two arbor sets that are put together. Bonnie and I moved a lilac from another part of the garden, I planted some Japanese morning glory seedlings at the 4 base sections, and some hollyhock seedlings to the side. At some point I'll add stepping stones to it between the retaining wall and the dogwood. More long range plans are to have a rose garden beyond it, with the gazebo thingy being an entrance...

@CAMfromMD - the so called "grass" in this area is pathetic. Sure wish the lawn there was as beautiful as yours is! I'm going to concentrate on the front yard first and then maybe tackle this area next.

They look great, did not know Aldis sold anything but food.

The Aldis near me has a small seasonal section - merchandise moves in and out quickly. Good sales on the stuff they do bring in.

Yes they do. I picked up two of the Shepard hooks for birdfeeders the other day...$4.99 each.

Some of their garden stuff is useful, but not of a high quality. The watering wand I picked up there worked well one season, then started leaking all over. Since We're on a well we don't have high pressure to deal with.

aspenhill said:@CAMfromMD - the so called "grass" in this area is pathetic. Sure wish the lawn there was as beautiful as yours is! I'm going to concentrate on the front yard first and then maybe tackle this area next.

Thanks, Terri. If you need any help getting your lawn in shape, let me know. I'll be glad to drive down there and give both advice and some sweat.

Terri, I wonder if you could color that raw looking wood with something that "stains" but doesn't seal... strong coffee, for instance...

Those 3 trellises look great -- perfect backdrop for an area I didn't think could look better!