Garden gear - What's New

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), July, 2003

* While gardening is a unisex avocation, men seem to drift toward major projects, while women often prefer to work on a smaller scale, toiling contentedly with flowers and vegetable patches. This is not to say that the latter are not serious about what they're doing and, accordingly, deserve serious gardening gear to help in their efforts. That's why Womanswork, Sharon, Conn., has a full line of tools and clothing designed expressly for, as the company's motto reads, "Strong women building a gentle world"

The Gauntlet Glove ($26.95) is made from rugged suede pigskin; has an extra-long cuff to protect the wrist and forearm from thorns and other scratchy material; is elasticized at the base of the hand to prevent dirt--or, for that matter, crawly creatures--from getting into it; and can be washed in mild detergent at the end of the day so it will be clean the next time it's needed.

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The Pruner ($49.95) is scaled for a woman's hand, yet, despite being more lightweight than standard versions, handles all the same chores equally well, its chrome-plated blades biting through branches almost effortlessly. The spring is firmly anchored to the handle so it never needs replacing, and the single-hand release lets the pruner be opened with one hand if the other is occupied. The blades are rust-resistant and can be washed clean with soap and water. Along with other small tools, gloves, etc., they can be tucked into the pockets of the Tool Holster with Belt ($14.95), fashioned from a sturdy open-weave cotton that sheds water and dirt as well as resists mildew. The wraparound belt has a quick-release buckle and is adjustable for various waist sizes.

Arguably the key accessory for a woman working in the garden is the Womanswork Sun Hat ($29.95). Made from natural raffia with a cotton stretch band inside the crown that adjusts for head size, it is both stylish and practical, the 3 1/2" brim shielding the wearer from the sun and the leather chin cord holding it in place even on windy days.

Womanswork products--of which the above are but a minute sampling--can be ordered online at www.womanswork.com or over the phone at 1-800-639-2709.

This symbol * indicates USA Today has tested a product for operating in full compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and to determine its performance as applicable to our readers' needs. Disadvantages, if any, also are reported. Although we cannot guarantee a product, we offer the starred designation as a guide to readers.