<< PR 2009

June to December 2008:

Berry Picker - "This unique device is simple to use once you get the hang of it and 'combs' the branches to remove the fruit. For comfort it needs to be used at waist level. The comb separates the berries from the stem as the picker is slid along the stems lifting off berries and allowing them to fall into the container. Regular emptying is necessary so that the berries do not get squashed. It works best on fruit that does not hang in strings such as redcurrants as you are in danger of picking some which are not ripe, thus reducing the overall useable harvest... For someone with large harvests to pick this is an extremely useful tool."
'Gifts for Gardeners with Angela Youngman, Kitchen Garden magazine, December 2008

Propane and Natural Gas Heaters - "If you're after a gas heater, then this model would make a great choice. It has thermostatic control and a flame failure device, and also features the 'Eco-Pilot', which means it will consume 30 percent less fuel than standard propane heaters. The 1.9kW model wil provide 11m² of frost protection, and the 4kW one will provide around 23m². Both measure 40cm in height and 30cm in width."
'Pick of the Crop' - Greenhouse Heaters, Grow Your Own magazine, December 2008

Pro Seeder - "Take the stress out of sowing fine seeds with this clever, palm-sized gadget. It uses suction to let you pick up and release seeds to sow them exactly where you want them."
50 Gifts for Gardeners - Gardener's World magazine, December 2008

My children really appreciated the strong wood-and-metal tools I bought them a couple of years ago and there is a great range of Joseph Bentley tools available at Harrod Horticultural.
Growblog: Organic Gardening for the Internet Generation, 5 December 2008

‘Green Fingered Gifts for a Cracking Christmas’ Sneeboer Heart Shaped Trowel – as recommended in the H&A Gift Guide.  BBC Homes and Antiques magazine, December 2008

Pot Brush - "Twirl away many happy hours cleaning out pots with a stiff-bristled brush with beech handle."
Stocking Fillers for Gardeners - Cuttings, Telegraph Gardening, 6 December 2008

"Stylish Timber Raised Beds - Give your back a break and discover the joys of raised bed gardening with these innovative Superior Timber Raised Beds. The modular system allows you to create your own personal layouts with an easy to assemble system made from Swedish certified timber. Harrod Horticultural Superior Timber Raised Beds from ..."
Garden Heaven (Ireland's premier gardening magazine), November/December 2008

"Install tool racks to give each piece of garden equipment its own space. Buy ready-made racks from companies such as Harrod Horticultural (www.harrodhorticultural.com)..."
'RHS advice: Shed tidy, bird cake and more', (Compiled by the RHS Horticultural Advisory Service) Telegraph Gardening, 21 November 2008

Traditional Hunter Wellington Boots (one of six recommended to ‘keep your feet warm and dry’) in Buyer’s Guide). Garden News, November 2008

Le Chameau Green All Tracks Ladies’ Boot (one of six recommended to ‘keep your feet warm and dry’) in ‘Buyer’s Guide). Garden News, November 2008

(Le Chameau) Crocus Shoes are soft, pliable, cotton-lined and easy to wriggle in and out of... Even when mud-caked they come up as good as new with a scrub under the garden tap (Le Chameau from Harrod Horticultural)
50 Must-Haves for a Perfect Winter Garden, Helen Yemm and Ursula Buchan choose the best tools and plants that every gardener needs for the months ahead, Telegraph Gardening 10 November 2008

Pot Brush - 'Test Notes - Verdict: The unique design makes pot cleaning a simple job. It can get right to the bottom of posts and the stiff bassine bristles remove caked-on dirt easily. The brush comes in two sizes. Rating 4*
Garden News, 4 November 2008

Sneeboer Right Handed Potting Trowel - "I loved this for its shape and the rawness of the metalwork. I don't know if it was handmade but it feels like it and it reminded me of metalwork class at school. My reservations are mainly about its usefulness. I use my hand to shovel compost into pots and try as I might I just couldn't force myself to use it for its intended purpose. However, its intruiging shape did prove useful in the garden. Its sharp edge made it great for weeding and the shape was ideal for planting bulbs. The handle was comfortable and it was well made." Tested by Geoff Stebbings, for Garden Gear, Garden Answers magazine, November 2008

Gold Leaf Tough Touch Pruning Gauntlets - "I find the Tough Touch fit me perfectly; warm and tough, they become even lovelier as they age. But for really muddy work, I use the new stretchy Showa gloves..."
50 Must-Haves for a Perfect Winter Garden, Helen Yemm and Ursula Buchan choose the best tools and plants that every gardener needs for the months ahead, Telegraph Gardening 10 November 2008

Flexi-Tie - "This amazing brown, stretchy, reusable 'string' has become a firm gardeners' favourite. It is virtually invisible in use, and is kind to plant stems.
50 Must-Haves for a Perfect Winter Garden, Helen Yemm and Ursula Buchan choose the best tools and plants that every gardener needs for the months ahead, Telegraph Gardening 10 November 2008


Showa Thermo Gloves - "I find the Tough Touch fit me perfectly; warm and tough, they become even lovelier as they age. But for really muddy work, I use the new stretchy Showa gloves..."
50 Must-Haves for a Perfect Winter Garden, Helen Yemm and Ursula Buchan choose the best tools and plants that every gardener needs for the months ahead, Telegraph Gardening 10 November 2008

Sneeboer (Flowerbed) Trowel (£28.50) and hand fork (£22.95). Sneeboer hand tools are all fantastic, but this trowel gets a special mention. It has a good, scoopy shape and the combination of extra-length handle and the rounded end make for really easy digging and planting (0845 2185301; www.harrodhorticultural.com)
'50 Must-Haves for a Perfect Winter Garden, Helen Yemm and Ursula Buchan choose the best tools and plants that every gardener needs for the months ahead, Telegraph Gardening 10 November 2008

Felco 8 Professional Secateurs - "Along with just about every professional gardener, I adore my Felcos..."
50 Must-Haves for a Perfect Winter Garden, Helen Yemm and Ursula Buchan choose the best tools and plants that every gardener needs for the months ahead, Telegraph Gardening 10 November 2008

Traditional Hazel & Birch Besom - 'Tested - No nonsense reviews of products - Best for Lawns: Test Notes - Verdict: It's a shame that more gardeners don't use witches' brooms as they are very versatile. This particular model, handmade in Buckinghamshire, was very effective and a pleasure to use. The handle felt a little short to get a real good slick of the broom but that was only a minor criticism. It's also built to last. Rating 4*
'Brush Up on Clearing Leaves', Garden News, 4 November 2008

Sneeboer Timber Bulb Planter - "The Confidential View... At hip height the Sneeboer will assist bulb planting for those with bad backs. The cross handle also helps twist the cutter out of the earth. It cuts cleanly into the soil and the action easily removes the clod of earth from the previous hole. The width of the cutter at the end of the hole is slightly narrower than the top, so the last clod has to be shaken out with a bit more force (however, this may be just my horrible sticky clay soil)." Durability = 5, Style = 4, Useability = 4
Garden Confidential, Autumn/Winter 2008

"Harrod Horticultural's Cross-Beam Oak Fruit Press produces 4.5 litres of juice."
Country Buys - Go natural this month with our selection of wonderful wood. BBC Country File magazine, November 2008

"For beans and courgettes, I use an attractive and sturdy triangular Folding Willow Obelisk. It measures 1.8m (6ft) tall, has a generous width of 1.35m (4.5ft) at its base and can easily be folded flat for storage."
Know How - Layer it Up, Grow It! magazine, November 2008

"These pretty flower Bird Feeders come in packs of three and are made from bamboo canes and dried fruits. Fill them with your choice of seed or peanuts and position them within the lawn or border for a colourful alternative to your usual feeder. Each flower comes complete with a small packet of seeds, so you'll be able to start feeding straight away.
On Trial - Feathered Friends - Grow It! magazine, November 2008

The Oak Apple Feeder's natural look will appeal to many gardeners. The decorative feeder is made from oak and has an attractive bark finish to its roof. The central void contains a spike onto which kitchen scraps, fat balls or fresh fruit such as apples can be set. It includes a handy circular landing platform which will allow landing species of birds to use it with greater ease.
On Trial - Feathered Friends - Grow It! magazine, November 2008

"If you've got a pond, male frogs will probably sped the winter at the bottom, lying dormant. If the water freezes, they will suffocate once the oxygen is used up - try and prevent this happening by placing a pan of hot water on the surface to melt a hole in the ice. Toad Houses are available to buy (you can get a terracotta version from Harrod Horticultural..."
Grow Your Own, November 2008

Plant and Pot Jackets - "These plant jackets are great for protecting tender plants. The medium and large plant jackets are made of 70gsm fleece and the jumbo size at 240cm x 200cm (94in by 78in) is made of 100gsm fleece. They have a full-length zip and drawstring ends. These are ideal for covering young tender fruit trees and shrubs. The other alternative is a pot jacket that just fits around the plant pot and protects the roots from freezing. The pot jackets are made of a double layer of bubble wrap and 100gsm of fleece. They are fastened with Velcro and secured with a drawstring."
'What to Buy? Kitchen Garden magazine, November 2008

Smart Vent 100 - "This solar-powered vent will help prevent your greenhouse overheating. Powered by an integral solar panel, the vent has an automatic on/off switch to control air circulation. It can be fitted in glass, metal, polycarbonate or wood." 'Garden Gear - Save money and energy when you discover the world of solar-powered products for your garden.' Garden Answers magazine, October 2008

"Compost Guage (Compost Thermometer) - Heat speeds up the composting process, so the weeds in it are killed. This thermometer has a 52cm (20in long) probe for reaching the centre of the pile and an easy-to-read temperature dial."
'Garden Gear - Make Great Compost - The products that can help you create the perfect compost whatever the size of your heap!'
Garden Answers, October 2008

"Grab Yourself a Rack - If your apple trees have done well this year, but you're wondering what to do with all that fruit, keep it super-fresh for months with this traditional beechwood storage system. The drawers are spaced to allow air to circulate and keep your fruit cool and last longer. Available from Harrod Horticultural, these racks are from a wide range of harvesting products available by mail order. Other items include a fruit picker basket, harvest collection bag, fruit crusher and a range of fruit presses..."
BBC Gardeners' World, October 2008

Sneeboer Bulb Planter - ‘A smooth ash handle and a hand-forged, individually shaped and sharpened stainless steel cutter make this the undisputed king of planters. Choose this Sneeboer tool (above right) if you’re putting in heaps of bulbs or if you have clay soil. It’ll last you a lifetime.’
CSMA (Civil Service Motoring Association), October 2008

Sneeboer Ladies' Spade - Voted 'Best Buy' - "Very sharp. It sliced through everything with ease." "This was the only spade that managed to easily slice through the most difficult soil." "Good for digging planting holes." "Good for getting into tight spaces." How They Rated: 'Very sharp, very light, robust. Six out of six testers said they would buy the spade. Verdict: 5/5
Tested - No-nonsense Reviews of Products - Ace of Spades: Which is best of 10 we tested? Garden News, 28 October 2008

Beehive Composter - "Q: ...I have only a very small garden I don't have much room available for a compost bin. If i get one of those big black bins it will be on view at all times, which isn't what I want to achieve... A: You could choose an attractive wooden bin such as the Beehive Composter from Harrod Horticultural..." Advice by Tony Norgrove for the Guest Expert Panel for the Help section of Gardens Monthly magazine, October 2008

Rotasieve - "This product enables you to sieve soil from your compost bin. Simply turn the handle to create a fine consistency and use the resulting sieved compost for potting up plants or as a garden mulch."
Garden Gear, Garden Answers, October 2008.

Galvanised Incinerator - "Rather than a scruffy old pile that gets blown about by the wind, how much neater to burn my garden rubbish in an incinerator? Harrod Horticultural (0845 402 5300; www.harrodhorticultural.com) has a galvanized 90-litre model that is good-looking in a functional kind of way...
Garden Gear - Autumn's Best Buys (Elspeth Thompson scans the seasonal catalogues for the latest garden must-haves), Telegraph, 20 October 2007


Traditional Apple Racks - "If you have a lot of apples or pears to store then this apple rack is a good idea. This model comes with five slatted wooden drawers to allow good air movement around the stored fruit. It is made from beech and is attractive enough for placing in a cool utility room or porch..."
Kitchen Garden magazine, October 2008

Slug Barrier System - "Keep Slugs at Bay - Are you fed up with slugs eating your crops? Well Outslug is a repellent barrier that can be erected around individual plants, pots or beds. The unique plastic barriers contain a trough that is filled with a special repellent. This is protected from rain by the angled barrier. The barriers come in circles or straight pieces and corners so you can make as large a barrier as you need... Each kit contains the non-toxic repellent which should last six months or more.
In the Garden Shed, Kitchen Garden magazine, October 2008

Extend The Growing Season...
"This Lean-to Greenhouse allows you to start the growing season early or grow some crops well into the autumn and winter. It can be placed against a fence or wall which provides shelter and support to your fruit or veg. It comes with a heavy-duty PVC cover with the sloping pieces designed to easily lift up so you can access your plants. The framework is heavy-duty galvanised steel in green. It comes with two end frames, ground anchors and all the fittings and instructions. It will fit against any7 1.8m (6ft) high wall or fence. The lean-to is 1.8m (5ft 11in) high and 60cm (2ft 3in) deep. It is available in a variety of lengths starting at 94cm (3ft) costing £129 up to 7.52 (24ft) at £435."
'In the Garden Shed', Kitchen Garden magazine, October 2008

Cedar Hedgehog Habitat - "Hedgehog Home - Hedgehogs need our help and what better way than providing them with a des res to hibernate in during the winter. This little cedar house has a waterproof and insulated roof. It comes with an integral tunnel and large inspection lid. Height is 20cm (8in), width 42cm (16.5in) and 38cm (15in) deep."
In The Garden Shed, Kitchen Garden magazine, October 2008

Indoor Overshoes - "How often have you had to nip indoors for something and either tiptoed across the kitchen floor or spent ages wrestling to get your wellies off. These Floor Savers are great for slipping on quickly over dirty shoes or boots so you can pop in the house without messing up the floor. These overshoes can then be put in the washing machine and reused."
'In the Garden Shed...Kitchen Garden magazine, October 2008

Small Wheel-Easy Wheelbarrow - This product was tested by Helen Yemm in The English Garden:
"I tested this one last, since it really could not be compared in any way to the others. My heart sank when I realised I had to assemble it, but it was actually child's play - a definite plus. It lies flat when empty and can be used like a giant dustpan for leaf and debris clearing. It would also be useful for weeding and pruning, for transporting plants and compost bags, etc. And, of course, it's really easy to store, making it first class for small gardens with tiny sheds. I really liked it.",
Testing... Testing Wheelbarrows, October 2008 

Sneeboer Tools - 'Irons in the Fire'... Sneeboer has an international reputation for producing high quality garden tools but its methods remain close to home..." The English Garden, October 2008
Read the article on Sneeboer Tools as published in The English Garden by clicking this link (NB. PDF format/2MB" Download)


"Traditional Apple Rack - The chances are - if all's gone well - you won't be able to munch through your entire apple harvest in one go. This hardwood rack is designed to allow maximum airflow around stored fruits - essential to maintain quality and flavour. Position it in a dark well-ventilated area with a moist atmosphere and keep the termperature around 3-7¤C. Choose from a five, six or 10-drawer version." Pick of the Crop: Storage, Grow Your Own, October 2008

"Prevent Peach Leaf Curl - which also affects nectarines, almonds and apricots - can cause early fruit-drop and a weaker tree, ruining your chances of a bumper harvest...Gardeners with a tree trained against a wall or fence will likely have the best results, as these can easily be covered with specially-shaped tree protectors (available from Harrod Horticultural 0845 402 5300, www.harrodhorticultural.com)."
'The Fruit Gardener' article by Catherine Hickman looks at easy ways to make your plot (practically problem-free... Grow Your Own, October 2008

Super Warm 5 Heater - "This larger twin-burner heater is the one that I was sent to experiment with. It is described as 'for use in greenhouses up to 5m2 (6 x 8 ft) or as an anti-frost heater in larger structures, so presumably it will keep a 5m2 greenhouse at a higher temperature than simply frost-proof. You can light one burner only if a mild frost is expected but fire up both burners for severe weather. I found it to be well made, easy to put together and use, and good value for money for the level of heat it supplies. A tank of 4.5 litres of paraffin will burn continuously for 3.5 days. This heater is made from non-rusting aluzinc."
On Trial, Grow It! magazine, October 2008

"Bubble Insulation - Tri-laminated and UV stabilised, this insulation claims to reduce heating costs by 30%, while extending the frowing season in an unheated greenhouse by up to six weeks. Harrod Horticultural's website contains quite detailed instructions on how to claculate the amound needed and how many fixings to allow for. The fitting method also looks simple and well explained. The insulation is 1.5m wide and ordered per linear metre.
Grow It! magazine, October 2008

Garden of Knowledge - "Starting an organic garden project can be a wonderful learning experience. But there is also real joy in sharing the benefits and knowledge with others. Stephanie Harrod, Managing Director of Harrod Horticultural explains."
Ethical Living magazine, Issue 8, September/October 2008

"This Sneeboer Pointed Spade is great for lifting pockets of turf to naturalise spring-flowering bulbs. The sharp point makes light work of heavy clay soils, plus it's built to last with a solid ash handle. Available by mail order from Harrod Horticultural..."
Editor's Choice, Gloucestershire Preview, Autumn 2008

"Gold Leaf Winter Touch Gloves - It is important to keep hands warm when you're working in the often cold and wet conditions of the garden. The thermal lining and waterproof exterior means that these gloves are comfortable and hard-wearing."
'For Hands that Garden', Garden Answers, September 2008

Paper Potter - "Transform spent newspapers into useful seedling pots for your next generation of young plants. As well as being environmentally sound, this pot maker is extremely easy to use: simply wrap, twist and press, and your paper container is ready for seed sowing."
Chris Beardshaw, '3 Little Gems', Daily Mail 20 September 2008

Sacks Appeal - "If you want to help the planet as well as keeping your garden tidy, use these Biodegradeable Leaf Sacks... These eco-friendly sacks break down whilst the leaves inside decompose leaving very little mess - making them a great alternative to a compost bin.
Daily Express' Saturday magazine, 20 September 2008

Fruit / Apple Press - "And for those who have everything... With this traditional press from Harrod Horticultural, you can turn windfall apples and pears into delicious fruit juice. Made from cast iron and oak, it comes in a range of sizes and with an optional straining bag for smoother liquid." The Week magazine (with source credit to House and Garden), 20 September 2008

Leather Gauntlets - Voted 'Best for Nettles': These thorn-resistant leather gauntlet gloves are ideal for when you're working near frambles or nettles. A 20cm (8in) gauntlet cuff gives added protection while pruning.
Garden Answers, September 2008

Sneeboer Large and Ladies Spade: Build Quality ****½, Value for Money ***, Aesthetic Appeal *****
"If you went into a blacksmith's forge and asked for a spade to measure, I have a feeling you would leave with something similar to this. All the individual welds that have gone into its construction can be seen, as well as all the polishing and filing marks that give the spade a smooth finish. Add to this the fact it has the longest handle of all those tested and I am in seventh heaven! I wonder, however, how well the T-shaped handle end would stay on, given that I use a lot of strength when digging. But when comparing this to my 50-year old fork handle which has a similar joint and has easily stood the test of time, I'm sure these Dutch versions will prove equally as durable. The ladies version is nearly as long as the large version and both spades are quite heavy. The spades also have small blades, which means less soil shifted with each spadeful.
'Ace of Spades', Spades on Trial, Grow It! magazine, September 2008

Fruit Presses - "Whether your fruit is born of a solitary tree or a small orchard, Suffolk-based Harrod Horticultural has the appropriate sized traditional oak press to save you throwing away your surplus crop - always a crushing experience..."
'Antennae - What's in the Air this Month, The World of Interiors magazine, September 2008

"I have always enjoyed working with Sneeboer so a fork and spade from their range would be a good start..."
Chris Beardshaw for 'Ask the Experts, Grow Your Own magazine, September 2008

"For Petite Patches... For those with modest needs, try Harrod Horticultural's mini watering kit... It will still cover a substantial 15 containers." 'Off on your hols? Prevent your garden from becoming a plant graveyard'
by Emma Townshend, The Independent, 10 August 2008

Easy Poly Tunnels - "Made from punctuated polythene, these chemical free tunnels are three metres long and ideal for protection against weather, birds and animals while retaining moisture. Tinted cover traps warmth and prevents scorching.",
Chris Beardshaw - 3 Little Gems, Daily Mail, 30 August 2008

"Bees are excellent for pollinating your flowers, and can help to increase fruit yields. This hive has individual trays for inspection and easy cleaning. It is made from solid timber, and the wooden nesting trays are held in place with two stainless steel bolts. The solid timber construction means that it can be kept out all winter. It comes with a laminated Bee Guide." Buyer's Guide - 'Home Sweet Home' - Garden Answers, August 2008

"Anti-Bird Netting - Keep birds off your luscious fruit with this heavy-duty netting suitable for use over a cage or on its own. Make from high-density polyethylene in a diamond mesh pattern, the netting is sold in four widths (4m-12m). Samples and extra-value rolls available."
'3 Little Gems', with Chris Beardshaw, Daily Mail, 2 August 2008

Harcostar Space Saver 100 Litre/22 Gallon Water Butt - "This tall, slim-line model is supplied with a hose connector tap and lid. The stand is optional..."
Water Storage (Shopping), Gardens Monthly, August 2008

Greenhouse Shelving - As recommended in Buyers' Guide to Greenhouse Staging
Garden News, 19 August 2008

"Designed to make it easy to create an attractive environment for ladybirds, this tower has a central chamber filled with natural material. Chamber holes are drilled at an upward angle leading into the centre. It has a ground pole, so can be sited in your lawn. flower bed or even a planter."
'Buyers' Guide - 'Home Sweet Home', Garden Answers, August 2008

Sneeboer Two Pronged Weeder - "I've never seen anything like this before and awaited its arrival with interest. It is designed to break up the soil and open it up, as well as weeding. It certainly does the job but I found it quite difficult to use. It's probably down to my not using quite the correct action or method, but I found the upright twisting action required rather tiring...The prongs are lethally sharp - keep well away from children and exercise care when using. Build Quality ****, Value for Money ***, Ease of Use ***. 'Hoe Down' Grow It magazine, August 2008

Lure budding gardeners into the garden with the new Gardener's Apprentice range of mini tools by Joseph Bentley. It features solid ash handles and is suitable for children aged six and upwards.
Young Gardener, Good Homes, August 2008

Timber Teepee Obelisk - "How this area of the front entrance to the house looks is important, and in a winter-shady vegetable garden there will be times when there is not much going on. The raised beds, neat paths and birdbath will in themselves be good-looking even when relatively empty, but a movable, stout, timber (from Harrod Horticultural) ... wigwam would add a little height and structure to the whole picture and could be used for beans and sweet peas. It could be re-sited each year in order to achieve some sort of crop rotation." Helen Yemm, Gardening Advice: Thorny Problems, Telegraph, 1 August 2008

Timber Teepee Obelisk - "...themselves be good-looking even when relatively empty, but a moveable, stout, timber one (from Harrod Horticultural)... would add a little height and structure to the whole picture."
Gardening Advice: Thorny Problems with Helen Yemm, Telegraph Gardening, 4 August 2008

Slug and Snail Shocka Mats - "Conclusion: Once you've got past the fiddle of laying and planting through this material, it performed best out of all our bought-in trials, and was the only one to provide perfect protection". 9/10
Grow Your Own magazine, August 2008

Slug Barrier System - "If you want to try a hi-tech solution to your slug problems, this is the one for you. It is a heavy duty, permanent structure which surrounds your bed completely and the manufacturers claim protects it for 6 months... On the plus side, after that it can stay maintenance free for most of the season."
Grow Your Own, August 2008.

Flower Bed Cup Feeder - "A fun way of feeding birds in your borders. The cups are made from recycled wood attached to bamboo canes, which can then be pushed into a border, lawn or container... Attractive and fun way of encouraging seed feeders."
Buyers' Guide, Garden News, 26 August 2008

"These sparrow flats make the perfect habitat for the sociable sparrows whose population has seen a sharp decline in recent years - a lack of suitable habitats has been identified as a key factor in their demise. It is made from high-quality, untreated pine and finished with a galvanised roof."
'Buyers' Guide - Home Sweet Home', Garden Answers, August 2008

... So is it possible to make compost in a tiny garden, without having your space dominated by a bin? The answer is yes. I've got a worm bin that sits in a redundant corner outside my backdoor or you could choose something that won't stand out like a sore thumb. The Courtyard Composter from Harrod Horticultural (costing £149.95) is ideal - storing up to 203 litres of compost, it is a compact, acttractive bin that wouldn't look out of place on a patio." 'Compost Conundrum' Grow It magazine, August 2008

Sneeboer Hand Hoe/Weeder - "Harrod Horticultural has recently started retailing the range from this Dutch manufacturer. All their products have a nice hand-crafted rustic look to them that I personally find pleasing. This superbly made hand tool is great for getting into those corners and awkward spots that a conventional hoe cannot reach - and is also excellent for cleaning out chicken houses. Build Quality ***, Value for Money ***, Ease of Use ***½. Grow It magazine, August 2008

"I use an electric hedgetrimmer because I hate the noise and smell of petrol machinery in the garden but keep the flex well clear of the trimmer. You can clip it to your belt with a gizmo (try the Cable Buddi - www. harrodhorticultural.com)"
Making a New Garden - Part 6: Hedge Management with Helen Yemm, Gardeners' World magazine, August 2008

Harcostar Space Saver 100 Litre/22 Gallon Water Butt - Voted 'Best Buy' in Which? Gardening magazine, July/August 2008

Automatic Watering Kit (Maxi Kit) - Voted 'Best Buy' in Gardening Which, July/August 2008

"As soon as something is described as a 'miracle' product, I instantly feel sceptical and determined to prove that it doesn't work! However, on this occasion the product lived up to its name - I absolutely loved this patio brush. It is designed to sweep along the cracks between paving slabs, in order to remove weeds with its wire bristles. I had previously only used patio knves for this task, but now will not go back. With one effortless sweep all weeds were removed, even from the narrowest cracks, without any stooping or hard work. It will be interesting to see how long the weeds remain away, but this brush is ideal for instantly tidying up your patio before all those summer barbecues. Rating *****. Tested by Laura Fanthorpe for 'Tried and Tested', Garden Answers, July 2008

"Cute baskets for an indoor windowsill will look gorgeous in the spring with hyacinths."
'This is Summer' - Gardens (Supplement), The Independent on Sunday, 6 July 2008

"Put Your Back Into It! Rakes for Serious Lawn Work - "You'll need two: a spring-tined one for winter, to remove dead grass and moss ("thatch") at the soil surface, and an ordinary one for raking over top dressings in the summer. Harrod Horticultural's Moss Removal Rake was a Which? Gardening Best Buy...
'This is Summer - Gardens (Supplement), The Independent on Sunday, 6 July 2008

Kitchen Garden magazine, July 2008, tested wheelbarrows in their 'What to Buy: Pushing Barrows to their Limits'. Here's what was said about the Wheel Easy:
The WheelEasy is an unusual barrow. It is designed to reduce lower back strain as it drops fully to the ground for easier loading. Leaves, grass clippings and other material can be raked straight into the canvas holder while the low centre of gravity allows transporting awkward large loads such as plants and rootballs easily. It is also the only barrow tested which can be folded up for storage. The one we tested can hold 69kg (150lb) but there is a larger version with a 159kg (350lb) capacity.Among the testers, there were mixed feelings about the WheelEasy. Having a flat surface on which to deposit weeds when working in the garden was regarded as an advantage. Female testers liked not having to reach up into the barrow to deposit weeds. It was quite easy to move bags of compost around. The fact that it could be folded and placed in a car was appreciated...The barrow was easy to set up, it just required the wheels to be screwed on. Tipping was difficult from the WheelEasy unless you virtually turned it over completely. The WheelEasy's soft sponge grip offered comfort but some questioned how long it could survive under regular use.


"I have just taken delivery of a tall wooden obelisk from Harrod Horticultural. Painted in a muted pale green, it will be the centrepiece of one of a series of new "rooms" I am planning in the garden for next year. Other plant supports are more businesslike, designed to be entirely obscured by stems, foliage and flowers.
Rachel DeThame, 'How to Stop your Garden looking Flat', Sunday Times Home Supplement, 13 July 2008

Small Wheel Easy Wheelbarrow - "Q: I'm fed up - it takes so long to wheelbarrow garden rubbish to my compost heap. Is there an easier method? - Chris Pearson, Chichester, West Sussex. A: Adrienne Says: Try the small Wheel-Easy wheelbarrow £49.95 from Harrod Horticultural (www.harrodhorticultural.com, 0845 218 5301). It's a ground-flush loading cart that is robust, with rip-proof handles. It can carry 70kg and is able to cope with virtually any bulky load - grass, leaves, clippings, branches and other materials."
'Tricks of the Trade with Adrienne Wild, Sunday Mirror, 13 July 2008.

Small Wheel Easy Wheelbarrow - "On Test: The single robust rubber wheel means it's highly manoeuvrable in tight spaces. To rake in leaves you simply lie the wheelbarrow flat and sweep them in. Once filled, there's a rear flap that can be hooked up to retain loose material. The angle of the handles can be adjusted by switching around two pins. Keep the pins in place and the handles stay in a wide V, remove them and the handles pivot towards the centre (there are spare holes so you won't lose the pins). The collapsed position is great for storage and also for pushing the wheelbarrow through narrow paths.
Verdict: An unusual design that's great for raking up garden rubbish and even for use as a work surface for dividing perennials.
Tried and Tested, Helen Billiald, Garden News, 2 July 2008

"This set of two rectangular planters are ideal for use on windowsills. Their watertight liners allow pots to be inserted without the need for saucers. The large planter is 38cm (15in) long, and the small one 32cm (13in) long.
Container Gardening - 'Top Pots', Garden Answers, July 2008

Sneeboer Dandelion Weeder - "I liked this one. The slim, extra long blade is sharp on each side as well as the tip, so as long as you dig down vertically you can actually turn the little trowel while it is in the soil and get all round the deep root and pull out a little plug of soil with it embedded within. Of course, it does mean getting down on your hands and knees, which is not ideal for some gardeners."
Helen Yemm, Testing... Testing... Weeding Tools, The English Garden, July 2008

"Question of the Week - How Long Do I Leave Fleece On? Q: My carrots have been covered with fleece since sowing. How long do I need to leave it in place to protect them from carrot fly? Bob McGregor, Bath
A: Your carrots need protection for the whole of their growing period, Bob. Although the risk of carrot fly attack diminishes for part of summer, there are several hatches between late spring and autumn, so your crop could be attacked at any time during that period. Fleece does reduce, very slightly, the amount of the light reaching the plants but that should not reduce the yield and could enhance the quality of the carrots. A good alternative is fine but heavy duty mesh material which is ultraviolet resistant and long-lasting. Initial price can be high - starting at around £2.50 for 1m by 2m (3ft by 6ft) - but it lasts for several seasons. This mesh would also protect brassicas from caterpillar attack and is, of course, birdproof. A few metres of it would be a wise investment for anyone who grows food." 'Your Questions' - Nigel Colborn, Garden News, 22 July 2008

"Tall terracotta pots from Harrod make an effortlessly elegant statement."
This is Summer - Gardens (supplement), The Independent on Sunday, 6 July 2008

"Flexi Tie is now well known. It is stretchy brown plastic 'string' that doesn't damage plant stems and visually melts into the background. It comes in various weights. I use the middle weight and double it up for tying up really tough stems.'
'Testing... Testing... My Favourite Things - Helen Yemm shares the contents of her gardening basket and picks her 'can't live without' hand tools'.
The English Garden magazine, June 2008

Raised beds: we constructed our own beds from treated timber, but also used one ready-made kit, which takes much of the guesswork out of the process. Harrod Horticultural (0845 402 5300, www.harrodhorticultural.com ) supplies excellent kits, offering a range of flexible permutations. Rachel DeThame, The Sunday Times 1 June, 2008

Children's Waxed Cotton Aprons - Voted 6 of the Best in Grow Your Own magazine, June 2008

Sneeboer Timber Bulb Planter - "Get Spring Bulbs In - From September to October plant as many daffodil and crocus bulbs as you can get into the ground. Your efforts will be well rewarded with a great show in spring. And, once planted, you need do nothing else to them... This is the essential tool for planting large quantities of bulbs in grass. Simply insert it into the ground, lift out the clod of earth, pop your bulb into the hole, then replace the soil." Garden Planner (September), Your Home magazine, June 2008

"Automatic irrigation systems can also give peace of mind. A micro-irrigation system from www.harrodhorticultural.co.uk will give 50ft of pipe, 100ft of watering tube and 27 drippers - perfect for the average veg patch". Matt James, Gardening, News of the World, 15 June 2008

Micro-Irrigation System "Assembly: A bit fiddly but very versatile and can be tailored to fit your needs... The results were quite remarkable and as you can see the potatoes received plenty of water. In other areas where I used the taps and regulated the flow from a drip to a dribble the results were excellent." Build Quality: ****, Value for Money ****, 'On Trial' Grow It Magazine, June 2008

Harcostar Space Saver 100 Litre/22 Gallon Water Butt - "In my small garden, most butts would stick out like, well, a giant butt, so I bought an aptly named Space Saver Water Butt. This slimline model hugs the wall but still has enough room to store 100 litres of water."
Grow It! magazine, June 2008

Pot Jacket - "Protect Plants and Pots... By wrapping pots up in a horticultural insulating fleece or jacket pot, you can prevent too much frost damage. The thin fabric lets light and water in but keeps the plants warm underneath. They will stay snug and protected till late winter when you can remove it." Garden Planner, Your Home magazine, June 2008

Sneeboer Long Handled Fork/Mattock - "I used this digging tool for breaking up the compacted soil in my borders, prior to planting. Its two heads meant I could use the forked side for breaking up clumps of earth, while the mattock made short work of digging the beds. The long handle enabled me to get to the ground beneath my shrubs, which is not so easy to reach with a spade. My only quibble is that I would have liked the blades to have been slightly bigger so that I could have covered a larger area in a shorter amount of time, although this may have impacted on manoevrability." Rating ****.
Tested by Laura Fanthorpe, 'Tried and Tested', Garden Answers magazine, June 2008

Growing bag supports were featured in 'On Test' in Which? magazine - "Growing bags are an easy way to grow tomatoes on the patio, but unless you have a wall or trellis to train the plants up, supporting them can be a nightmare. These supports should help...
" A-tom Frame - Assembly ****, Ease of Use *****, Yield: 3.6kg a bag. This simple metal frame was easy to assemble and was the testers' favourite. It was very easy to pick up the frame and bag and move it around. The unique feature was that the growing bag hang s on the bottom rail of the frame. Not only does this hold the frame in place, it means the bag is sideways and provides greater depth of compost so it's easier to keep the roots moist."

"Of the four we tested,the A-tom frame and the Gardman Grow Bag Cane Frame were the easiest to set up and most practical."
Which? Gardening, June 2008

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