WATER RIGHT HOSES: Many years ago I gave away all my too-heavy garden hoses in favor of lightweight, drinking-water-safe and US-made ones by Water Right Inc. The 400, 500 and 600 series each have slightly different diameter; most of mine are 500 series. My favorite color is the olive. The most asked-about tool here in my garden during tours.
NOBLE OUTFITTERS MUDS BOOT: A not-too-clunky short rubber boot that can stand up to all seasons, including mud and snow, is hard to find. This one is a durable winner, and comfortable, too.
RAIN GAUGE, from Johnny’s Selected Seeds, has been my go-to gauge for eons. Every few years I forget and let one freeze and crack, and order a few more. I have them stationed around the yard and oh, are they ever accurate. Low tech and wonderful.
STAINLESS HORI-HORI KNIFE: Part trowel, divider, weeder and just general all-round workhorse, and even better than my original Japanese weeding knife, which wasn’t stainless. A brilliant upgrade that is particularly brilliant between pavers and other cracks and crevices.
STAINLESS EDGER: If my half-moon step-on edging tool ever dies (a model that’s no longer made), this stainless Sneeboer is the near-identical replacement. Good edging makes a world of difference, and (like mowing) you get instant gratification: things look better right away!
