Written By Vicki Anzmann
This time of year a gardener’s fancy turns to working in the earth. As spring plants peek up from the ground, garden stores and nurseries are flaunting the latest in garden supplies. If you’ve been itching to play in the dirt, here are a few cool gadgets and gizmos to make gardening even more interesting.
Yard Birds
Once the height of lawn ornament kitsch, yard birds have again become fashionable. Seen in every garden shop in some incarnation or another this year, these unique garden accents will add color and whimsy. The birds are 36 inches tall; springs connecting the wings and neck to the body let the appendages wiggle in the breeze. $12.99, at Boscov’s Westminster Town Mall, 400 North Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157, (410) 751-6660.
Splish Splash Spinner
A copper-finished spinning sprinkler like this will water everything in your garden and yard. As the sprinkler showers plants, the ornamental hummingbird in the center spins one way and the sprinkler’s outer ring spins the other. Spray from the device covers up to 30 feet and attaches to a regular garden hose. Butterfly and dragonfly designs are also available, $19.97 at Home Depot, 835 Market Street, Westminster, MD 21157, (410) 857-4719.
Bright Aquaduct
For potted plants or those that need special attention, a bright green metal watering can will do the job. $9.99, Boscov’s Westminster Town Mall, 400 North Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157, (410) 751-6660.
Colors to Bloom With
Colorful garden gloves have sprung up everywhere, as plentiful as the perennials in a summer garden. There are many different styles, including leather, cotton, and waterproof gloves. $2.98 at Lowe’s of Westminster, 777 Market Street, Westminster, MD 21157, (410) 857-7445.
Fancy Footwear
Go ahead, get into the mud. Colorful rubber garden clogs will keep your feet dry and clean. $24.99 from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store, 20 Englar Rd., Westminster, MD 21157, (410) 876-6505.
Tote, Seat and Tools
A fold-out stool and lots of room are the features of this?bright striped garden tote. Outside pockets hold gardening tools: large and small trowels, pruning clippers,?hand rake, weeder, and cotton?gloves.?Both bag and stool are made of heavy-duty canvas, and the interior is waterproof. $42 at Belk, Westminster Town Mall, 400 North Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157, (410) 848-1200.
Hummer Tempter
You can invite hummingbirds to stop by for a quick snack with this bright pink and copper feeder. The petite pollinators are a welcome addition to any garden, and the bright colors of the feeder will attract them. $9.99 at Belk, Westminster Town Mall, 400 North Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157, (410) 848-1200.
