What you really need to garden.

And why it needn't cost the earth.

I’ve noticed that over the last 25 years, that plant nurseries have closed down but garden centres (with cafes, fudge and cards) have exploded. Plant options are tiny but the tools and accoutrements are vast.

Do we really need all that stuff to create a beautiful garden?

I marvel at how few tools I have and how much they do for me.

Self taught and having always gardened on a tiny budget, I still garden with the same spade that I received for my 22nd birthday! It is the perfect weight and size for me. It is one of my prized possessions and many a landscaper has eyed it up on site. Made of metal, I know it was very reasonable back then, it isn’t an obvious choice but everyone loves to use it!

My essential tools are -