My Tool Basket

Basic but definitely not basic

I don’t know about you but I flipping LOVE looking at peoples tools. I love studios, artist spaces, workshops, almost anywhere, where creative work is done.¹

Since it’s September and despite not being in an educational environment for over 25 years, there is still that new year feeling; actually I do think the growing year starts now, but I digress with excitement.

I believe I have the ultimate growing or gardening tool kit and I definitely want to know what’s in yours so thought i’d share what’s in mine!

When I started gardening professionally, I had an escort van and had to have every tool for the job but since, despite still doing many of the same tasks, I have reduced that right down to (mostly) what fits into a beautiful basket that Danny Seeley had made (when he came a ran a basket making class here last November - my one is not robust enough for daily use! I use mine for cables!)

Yes, all the tools I use daily are just in a basket. Recently I bought the same tools for the gardeners at the David Parr House where I have designed and developed their visitor centre garden. They had been using a whole shed’s worth of ancient tools which didn’t suit the new planting or the approach to growing (hands off and climate resilient rather than high maintenance traditionally spaced planting in the actual house garden).

The gardeners were initially surprised but completely taken by two particular tools, which as for me, have become almost extensions of their arms. No more trowels or spades. Everyone I show these to that haven’t used them are a little confused and you do need to have a go with them, but once you did, you wonder how you did without them. I know I did! They’ve also reduced issues with my hands, i’m sure because these are far more ergonomically and economical in labour requirements.

My Tool Basket