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HAND SCYTHE/SICKLE
August 22, 2009
One of the oldest tools in the garden is the scythe or sickle and to learn more about it we traveled to Boring, Oregon to visit with our tool expert Bob Denman of Red Pig Tools (503-663-9404). This tool originated as a jawbone of an animal that was used for cutting grass. The key to using this tool correctly is technique. Bob found that a lot of people use a hacking motion when cutting grass, when really you need to use a smooth drawing action to make it work well. You simply place the blade against the base of the grass and draw it toward you while holding the top of the grass. This makes the cut without all the effort. Bob is the expert in correct posture for the use of many tools (that he also makes) so feel free to contact him if you have any tool questions.
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PRUNING PARTNER
May 30, 2009
We found a brand new ‘tool’ that will help you in lots of ways around the garden. The Pruning Partner (502-857-4564) is a great item because it can do lots of things. First of all it helps you keep your garden clean during pruning. All you have to do it attach the triangular Velcro lined pieces in a shape to fit your garden beds or plants. This could be a circle, an ‘L’ shape or even a straight line. Then as you prune the pieces will fall on the Partner and you can just roll it up and dump the pieces in your compost bin, no raking needed. You can also use it as a drop cloth for painting. You can even use it when you are digging soil out of your garden. It will help keep the dirt off of your lawn while you work and then, when you are done, you can just put the soil back in the bed and your lawn is soil free! You can order this great product on-line at pruningpartner.com.
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