Maria Rodale's Organic Gardening Companion
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (January, 2000)
list price: $19.95 -- our price: $19.95
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Reviews (2)

Not Worth $19.95
I loved the idea of having a workbook to go along with the main book (Maria Rodale's Organic Gardening Companion), but honestly, it was not worth the $19.95 I spent on it.It is only a workbook.If this book was under $10, it would have been a better value.

Maria Rodale's Organic Gardenig Companion
The Rodale family started the organic gardening movement in the US and if you are interested in growing your own food and flowers without the use ofnon-organic pesticides or other chemicals, you probably own some of thebooks that the members of the Rodale family have written.This book is acompanion (as the title says)to Maria Rodale's Organic Gardening and Iwould suggest that you read that book too (or first!).Like all of theRodale books, this one is beautifully illustrated.One picture of athriving, healthy plant should convince anyone --even those sceptical aboutorganic gardening -- that these methods produce superior plants.Onedrawback of these books is that they are not written for the sceptical, butfor those already convinced of the virtues of organic gardening.It may behard for someone used to using chemicals on his or her plants to becomecomfortable with the concept, but experienced gardeners (both organic andnon-organic) will see that the method of organic gardening takes no moretime than any other way and has the benefit of being cheaper, too. If youare just thinking of starting to garden organically, you may want to beginwith another Rodale book.But if you are already converted to organicgardening, you will want to own this book to add it to your collection. ... Read more

Isbn: 087596835X
Sales Rank: 717770
Subjects:  1. Design    2. Garden Design    3. Gardening    4. Gardening / Horticulture    5. Gardening/Plants    6. Gardens    7. Landscape gardening    8. Organic    9. Organic Gardening    10. Reference    11. Seasons    12. Gardening / Garden Design   

Naturalistic Gardening: Reflecting the Planting Patterns of Nature
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 September, 1998)
list price: $21.95 -- our price: $14.93
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Editorial Review

"Gardening is by definition interference with nature," begins Ann Lovejoy cheerfully. That said, gardeners will save themselves no end of trouble by cooperating with nature insofar as possible. Thus naturalistic gardening, which has made real inroads into the more formal, traditional American gardens over the past few years. But naturalistic gardening doesn't mean just throwing a lot of seeds on the ground, or letting the weeds take over. Lovejoy's practiced advice helps gardeners get a handle on constructing a garden that is like nature, but with an element of art. Allow plants to follow their own natures by judicious placement, she counsels, and you will minimize their care as well as reveal their essential beauty.

Lovejoy includes enough practical instructions to allow anyone with a reasonable amount of gardening experience to create a successful naturalistic garden, and the inspiring patterns of the example gardens, beautifully photographed by Allan Mandell, are nicely explained. Lovejoy even gives a chapter to the hotly debated tropicalismo school of naturalistic design. The emphasis is very much on gardening in the northwestern United States, but anyone who yearns for a more natural look in the garden will benefit from the principles outlined here. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Nature, plus.
The subtitle "Reflecting the Planting Patterns of Nature" clearly expresses the focus of this book, as do the first words of the Introduction "Natural gardening is not natural".

The writer, who has earned the American Horticulture Society Writing Award, has authored numerous gardening books and her approach is comfortably informal. She is knowledgeable about the topic, expanding the idea of using native plants and placing them where nature would have them to include the relationships between plant communities and inter-layering canopy trees, shrubs, perennials and ground covers. Each of these may be native or non-native but they echo natural plant patterns of the area and accentuate the features of each plant and its place.

After reading the book I felt I had begun to understand that the look of a natural garden is uncluttered, well proportioned and, large or small, makes a statement about both the gardener and the place.

Based in the Pacific Northwest the writer uses gardens of Washington State, Oregon and British Columbia to illustrate her theme. The many color photographs of Allan Mandell beautifully illustrate the text. (Wonder of wonders these days when many book illustrations are pretty, but quite meaningless on the page.)

This is one of the most practical and yet most lyrical books I have encountered on the topic of natural gardening. It's an art that is not nearly as simple as it appears to be. The writer shows that it can be done with flair and style, even in a small garden and on a limited budget.

Serendipity
Ann Lovejoy has found a wonderful balance between native environments and a sensual and delicate intervention by the gardener.

A Very Interesting Book
Naturalistic Gardening, by Ann Lovejoy, is an excellent book, especially for anyone with woodlands on their property. But the book is useful too for those who just want to fashion gardens that retain that wild feel, that natural look.
The photographs from Allan Mandell are exceptional and capture well the spirit of this fine book. For those gardeners who have never read any of the many gardening books by Ann Lovejoy, this will be a treat. Ms. Lovejoy writes in a way that is always clear and easily understandable, and her writing has a voice that is fun, energetic, full of life.
All of the books by Ms. Lovejoy are quite good, as is Naturalistic Gardening. No mention is made of my own specialty, allergy-free gardening, and some of that component would be welcome here, but still, this is a book to provoke some real thinking--a book to inspire different, less rigid, less formal gardening. I enjoyed it very much. ... Read more

Isbn: 1570611203
Subjects:  1. Garden Design    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. Landscape    6. Landscape Horticulture    7. Landscape gardening    8. Natural gardens    9. Natural landscaping   

Stanley 6933 Yellow Daisy Pattern Reinforced Tip Cotton Garden Glove With Dots
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware

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Editorial Review

Looking for the ultimate in gardening gloves? Look no further. Stanley seems to have thought of everything with this pair. Sewn from cotton canvas (tougher than jersey and standard cotton gloves), Stanley's daisy-patterned gloves feature reinforced fingertips to protect your green thumbs (and other fingers). Covered with a delightful print of colorful daisies, the palm, thumb, and index finger of the gloves are covered with mini "power-dots" made of PVC. These dots, which are smaller than the dots on Stanley's other canvas gloves, enable you to get a better grip on your tools, pots, or plants as you work. Unlike Stanley's nonreinforced-tip canvas gloves, these feature an elastic cuff--great for keeping the dirt out. These sturdy gloves enable you to protect your fingers and keep a stylish grip on things. ... Read more

Features

• Yellow daisy pattern
• 100% cotton
• Reinforced fingertips
• Mini PVC power dots

Reviews (1)

Good...for the price
It'll do the job for the price you pay. It's durable and very comfortable... ... Read more

Asin: B00004SSSX
Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Clothing & Gear    3. Gloves   

Gardena 30343-10 Professional Pruning Shears
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $16.99 -- our price: $16.99
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Editorial Review

What are secateurs anyway? As every horticulturist knows, they're a fancy name for pruning shears. Try this professional pair and you'll never call them plain old pruners again. For one thing, Gardena's German-made precision and ergonomic engineering feel good to the grip. The upper blade is made from top-quality steel with a nonstick coating that prevents the type of rusting all too frequently found on garden-variety pruners. Moreover, the blade is adjustable for easy replacement, tightening, or loosening--so you have a tool that lasts forever and can be personalized to suit your needs. Add in the integrated sap drain (to whisk away stickiness), cushioned end stop, safety thumb lock, and reinforced bottom blade (for the cleanest cut), and Gardena's literally packed in every feature available to make this the best set of secateurs on the market. Not only will you prune in comfort, but the secateurs' sharp cut ensures that your plants will stay healthy once pruned. ... Read more

Features

• Cuts flowers, shrubs, and branches
• Sturdy aluminum/plastic construction for long life
• Corrosion proof
• Precision adjustable blades

Reviews (4)

Gardena first - found surprise
Love the looks, hope they work as well or better than my Fiskars.I was looking at hand-pruners yesterday, visited this site and actually ordered the 601 [lighter duty] model because it was on sale.Then I cancelled the order because the shipping was costly, wanted to see them first-hand or learn more.Last night while walking the dog, I heard a car drive over something that sounded strange - as if fallen from the sky, low and behold, something better than I wanted, something like a delightful answer to a prayer, Gardena 343 shears, none the worse for wear, a few dings, I look forward to field testing them... I suspect a local landscaper will miss them!

Nice tool, but blades are very brittle & break easily
I snapped the end of the blade off this tool within my first hour of use.I was cutting a branch and twisted the shear a bit to try to break the branch off and the blade snapped in two.

While twisting the tool may not be a good practice, I have never broken a blade before on any tool - most of which cost 3.99.The bigger problem is finding replacement blades.None of my local retailers carry them nor, ironically, does Amazon.

I would choose another tool with better, more widely available blades.

Pruning Shear 'Painfully' easy to use
As a sufferer of carpal tunnel and trigger flexor in two fingers, I was pleased to see how easy this pruner was to use. Nice and sharp and very efficient, especially pruning rose canes. I know it's a small thing, butthe wrist loop comes in handy. Well-made and light weight is a plus.Bestfeature is the easy removable top blade. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SDVL
Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Hand Tools    3. Pruners   

Fiskars 94056974 30-Gallon Kangaroo Container
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $29.95 -- our price: $19.99
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Features

• Lightweight and durable
• Unique pop-up design; accomodates 33-gallon refuse bag
• 28 inches tall when open; 22 inches in diameter
• Stores in a compact 3 inch stack
• Vinyl-coated polyester construction is tear and mildew resistant

Reviews (15)

great idea, poor durability
I will have to differ with others who rave on this. The loop that let's you button the thing flat broke the first time I used it.After a reasonable amount of use, the spring started coming through the sides.Pricey for a less than well-made piece of equipment.Wish it could be tougher

Are there TWO different versions of this item?
I recently purchased a Fiskars 94056974 30 gallon Kangaroo Container and the thing is built like a tank. My impression on how the item is supposed to be used is to open the Kangaroo, put a 30 gallon trash can liner in the Kangaroo and fill with leaves and your five year old son. Then, either make one big pile for you and your son to play in or pull the trash can liners out, tie shut (remove son first) and carry it down to the end of the drive way, so the trash guys can play in the leaves.

The item is NOT meant to be dragged across shopping center parking lots. Mine holds a full load of squished down leaves without tearing or ripping. By the way, the product is covered by a two year warranty. I didn't read about any one posting a poor review who attempted getting them resolved utilizing the warranty.

Anyway, the Fiskars 94056974 Kangaroo Container (30 Gallon) works great(like having a third hand). It is versatile as previous reviews have pointed out. An extra trash can utilizing a liner. How about using one for recycling cans? Place a 30 gallon trash liner in the Kangaroo, squish can, "he shoots he scores!!!"

I'm happy with this purchase. It's durable, engineered well, and I'm planning on buying more of both the 10 and 30 gallon models. I expect this to eventually wear out. But, it's been my experience with other Fiskar items that you get your money's worth if you use the item as it was intended.

John Row

poor quality
The handle tore out of the bag the first time I used it.A very good idea, but VERY poor quality. The fabric is just not strong enough. If you buy this, DON'T use the handles, or better yet, save your money. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SD7D
Sales Rank: 431
Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Clothing & Gear    3. Carts & Containers   

Gilmour 1058050 Flexogen Hose (5/8 Inch by 50 Feet)
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $30.49 -- our price: $24.99
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Editorial Review

Touted as "the last hose you'll ever buy," Gilmour's Flexogen hose is designed to stay flexible all year long--even at freezing temperatures. The hose features heavy-duty brass couplings to seal tightly, a Flow Guard Plus collar to prevent kinking at the faucet, and double cord reinforcement to manage up to 500 psi without bursting. Its six-ply patented design is reinforced by special foamed inner layers and a smooth, glossy sealed cover, ensuring your hose will stay clean and resist abrasion. Gilmour is so confident about the quality of their Flexogen hose, they offer a lifetime replacement policy. ... Read more

Features

• 50 feet by 5/8 inches
• Flexible at subfreezing temperatures
• Polyester cord reinforcement
• Damage resistant

Reviews (15)

do some research!
I do own this hose, it's fine, holds up well.But I'm writing in response to the cancer references.Please, do some research before you write comments!When I looked on Google:water hose cancer, I found the information I need to know when buying water hoses from any manufacturer.

The warning for this hose is there because of California's Proposition 65. Proposition 65 limits exposure to chemicals that are identified by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. These chemicals or elements may be naturally occurring or synthetic.Not all manufacturers are listing this specific warning, but those that sell their products in CA are required to.They all list whether or not the hose is safe to drink from.

ALL non-drinking water safe hoses carry two potential elements that put them into this category:brass (if they have brass fittings) and lead that leaches from the hose into the water.

The following is from an ABC News Report:
"Consumer Reports says the problem is that many hoses are made of polyvinyl chloride, which uses lead as a stabilizer. That lead can leach into the water." "In all, Consumer Reports checked 16 different hoses to see how much lead could leach into the water. Testers cut off two-foot sections, then the hose sections were filled with water and plugged. They went into an oven overnight to simulate a day out in the hot sun, and afterwards, chemists analyzed the water.

Consumer Reports' Jim Nanni says some had very high levels of lead, "In some of the hoses, we measured 10 to 100 times more lead than the government considers safe coming a faucet."

However, the hoses that were labeled safe to drink lived up to their claim, leaching only minuscule amounts of lead.

To be safe, Consumer Reports says before you drink from a hose, let it run for a minute or so. That will flush out any water that could have been contaminated by lead."

There are other reasons to not drink water from a hose as well, unless it is a hose labeled "drinking water safe."This type of hose is sold for the use on boats and campers.

Love this hose!
I have used so many name brand hoses and the Flexogen is by far the most hassle-free and least frustrating hose I've come across. It doesn't kink (this is my number one frustration!), survives wild temperature changes, lasts for years, and winds easily. This is the only hose I use now. I have 8 of them and highly recommend the Flexogen.

Not As Good As It Looks!
I purchased 6 of these hoses with what was supposed to be a lifetime guarantee. After a short time, the end on one of the hoses started leaking so I contacted the manufacture and got a replacement. A year later another hose started leaking and I got another replacement. Then another hose started leaking but the company would no longer honor the warranty! Now Gilmour is selling them. But it's the same hose - "Flexogen". The hose itself it actually quite good if you don't mind replacing the hose ends eventually, I've had to replace every end on every Flexogen hose that I have. ... Read more

Asin: B00002N674
Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Watering Equipment    3. Hoses & Accessories    4. Garden    5. Water