:: Leather Garden Kneeler – Every year this is top of this list and will occupy this spot until my wife gets the hint. If you’re wondering why any gardener would require a kneeler pad, then you’re probably the right side of 50 or have an unspectacular, low maintenance garden. Anybody who’s spent a couple of hours working their borders will appreciate what a Godsend they can be. Basic versions begin at under a tenner. Though not for me, you can even get a Union flag one or a hand-made luxury leather version. From £36.
:: Sneeboer Royal Dutch Hand Hoe – These high-quality tools are hand forged in Holland, using roughly in the same method employed 100 years ago. This hand-held hoe is ideal for weeding and aerating the soil in between plants, perfect to use in raised
beds, containers, window boxes and mature herbaceous borders. Sneebor also make spades, forks, full-sized hoes and offer a personalised engraving service. From £36
:: Vitopod Heated Propagators from £112 – You can tell by the price of this product that it’s pitched at sightly more accomplished seed growers. These Vitopod heated propagators are the proverbial Rolls Royce of their class. This was recently named BBC Gardeners’ World 'Best Buy Propagator' and is always there or thereabouts at the top of every gardener’s wish-list. It enables you to create the perfect growing environment for your seeds and cuttings, acting as a cold frame and mini greenhouse in one. Made from flexible materials that won’t yellow due to UV deterioration, it has thermostat-controlled temperature settings everywhere from 5C and 30C.
:: Victorian Glass Bell Jar Cloches – set of three. A quick and easy way to bring class to your veg patch is with a glass cloche. A faithful reproduction of the original Victorian glass bell jar, these hand-blown cloches come in small, medium and large and are used for both ornamental and functional purposes – they look great but also protect your most treausered plants in from harsh weather in winter.
:: Paper Potter – This is an ideal gift for under a tenner and it somehow manages to bridge that gap between novelty and practical gadget. Economical and eco-friendly, it enables you to make your own, fully functioning, biodegradable plant pots from strips of old copies of The Irish News – not sure it would work as well with other newspapers. Perfect for sowing seeds and bringing on young plants, the Paper Potter comes attractively boxed and is available in two different sizes.
:: Hedgehog Igloo & Care Kit
Give hedgehog families a predator proof home. Includes the stylish habitat, food, feeding bowl and guide. This attractive wicker Igloo Hedgehog house and care kit offers a safe retreat, giving hedgehogs protection from the rain, garden machinery and predators. Large enough to accomodate family groups but with a small entrance tunnel to keep out troublesome predators. Includes a ceramic feeding bowl, 100g of hedgehog food and a guide to hedgehogs. From £32
:: Wild & Wolf Gentlemen’s Hardware Barbecue – Everyday sexism is alive and well to those marketing this portable barbecue that allows you to cook meat on-the-go. It comes in a lightweight mini suitcase that makes it deal for camping or festivals alike. Boxed in a smart kraft box with vintage design, it comes emblazoned with the words 'The Adventure Begins'. From £55
