Madison’s Favorite Things
This past week the garden was hit with the first fall frost. While a few plants are still holding on, the first frost marks the start of the busy fall season. Every fall, I turn down the flower beds, dig dahlia tubers, and plant out spring bulbs. As the outdoor to-do list comes to a close, I clean the tool shed, organize my vases, and take stock of my favorite gardening tools. Below are some of my tried-and-true tools that I keep coming back to year after year.
Click on the item titles below, underlined and bolded, for links to shop!
Carhartt Women’s Work Overall in Railroad Stripe
My favorite overalls. I am 5’4” and the short style fits me perfectly. I have them in Carhartt Brown, Natural, and Railroad Stipe. The double knees can take a beating in the garden and hold up well over time.
I often find myself waking up and heading straight out into the garden in the summer months. Sunscreen is often the last thing on my mind as I try to beat the heat with early morning harvests. These light and breathable shirts are great to throw over overalls or a t-shirt and they are rated UPF 50+. Throw on a UPF hat and I am good to go! This Eddie Bauer Departure 3.0 Long Sleeve Shirt is my favorite. Eddie Bauer runs sales frequently, so keep an eye out for reduced prices.
The Carhartt Relaxed Fit Denim Chore Coat is hard to track down, though you can still find it on Zappos and the Boot Barn. A chore jacket is a must and this one only gets better with time. This jacket has numerous pockets, all of which come in handy out in the garden. This jacket easily takes me from early spring to late fall. I ordered in a size that allows me to wear a sweatshirt underneath when temps start to drop.
Blundstone Chelsea Boot in Antique Brown
My go-to gardening boot. These boots have been with me for three gardening seasons and they still have life to give. Extremely tough, though light and versatile. Fair warning - they take some breaking in! Once broken in they are some the most comfortable shoes I own.
Merry People Billie Clogs
I love a slip on shoe! These are super comfortable and allow me to run out into the field in a matter of seconds. It is only the cherry on top that they are waterproof and provide extra protection on rainy days or dewy mornings
This workhorse is my favorite tool to use in the garden. Its sharp edge is excellent for weeding and the slight curve of the metal blade makes for an excellent spade with early season planting. This irreplaceable tool is always in my gardening toolbelt. The Shall Hori Hori linked above is my go to brand.
ARS HP-SE45 Needle Nose Pruner
These are your every day harvesting pruners. They are sharp, durable, and easy to sterilize. Their red handle is easy to find if misplaced in the garden and they fit nicely into the palm of your hand and any gardening tool belt.
Perfectly paired with the Needle Nose Pruners, these pruning sheers are a bit more heavy duty and easily cut through woody stems.
Brew City Blooms Favorite Pin Frog
A pin frog is an eco-friendly substitute for floral foam. Comprised of a flat metal base topped with a series of pins, the pin frog can be reused over and over again. The pin frog is adhered to the bottom of the vase with putty. These pins keep the stems secure as you place and arrange each flower in the vase. I have searched high and low for the perfect pin frog and this one checks all of my boxes. At two inches in diameter this pin frog can be used in various bowls, vases, and vessels. The pins are perfectly spaced!
Brew City Blooms x Little Fire Ceramics Vase:
This is the perfect petite and low profile vase! Specifically designed to be used with a pin frog or chicken wire, this vase allows you to get creative and make numerous styles of arrangements. Create individual centerpieces or group the vases together to make a larger tablescape. This vase was designed to have a low profile, so when used at a dinner table you can still easily see and converse with your guests! Additionally great used as a mug when you do not have fresh flowers available.
I hope you love my favorite garden tools as much as I do!
Cheers,
