Here is a selection of garden tools used for pruning, cutting hedges and grass, plant propagation and other tasks of this nature.

• KnifeA straight-bladed horticultural knife is useful for cutting string and for taking cuttings. Don’t choose one with a stainless-steel blade, as this quickly becomes blunt.

• Long-arm pruner Has a very long shaft (at least 2.4m/8ft) with a cutting blade at the top, operated by a lever at the bottom. Invaluable for high branches.

• Pruners (or loppers) These have two long handles and are essential for “heavy” pruning — that is, stems of 1.25-2.5cm/ 1/2—lin in diameter.

•  Pruning saw Used on large branches where loppers or secateurs are inadequate. Usually has a narrow curved blade. Read the rest of this entry »

The large range of lawn mowers available falls into two basic categories: cylinder and rotary.

• Cylinder mower, manual Blades are attached to a cylinder which revolves horizontally against a fixed blade. Cylinder mowers provide a fine, even cut on good turf but are no use on rough ground. There are side-wheel models and rear-roller models: the latter give a striped effect. A mower with a 5- or 6- bladed cylinder is suitable only for coarse lawns; more blades are needed for fine lawns. Various cutting widths are available. Most cylinder mowers have a grassbox to collect the clippings: you should use this. Read the rest of this entry »