April 2012 Picks for the Gardener

Author: Nancy Erdmann

Issue: April, 2012, Page 100

HERB SCISSORSThe Herb Scissors from Secrets du Potager make it easy to gather fresh herbs for cooking. The innovative five-blade design cuts through the toughest plants without crushing them. The pair of 71/2" scissors comes with a packet of chive seeds, a metal plant marker and a card with tips and advice on how to grow your own herbs. Find them at Southwest Gardener, Phoenix, southwestgardener.com.

GARDEN UNDER GLASSPutting her own spin on the retro terrariums of the ’70s, designer Mykel Newton came up with a fresh look by introducing her plantscapes under glass. Pictured here is a glass vessel open on both ends and filled with succulents and moss; the other orb contains an orchid with moss. No two pieces are alike. To order, log on to botanicgifts.com.

PORTABLE PLANTER
If space is tight but you love to garden, the Mobilegro garden cart offers up to 12 square feet for growing plants in a compact design. Ideal for balconies, courtyards, patio homes and small yards, the steel-crafted planter was created by Angela DiMaggio of Gilbert, Ariz. Each plant container is nearly a foot deep, allowing for proper root development. Water drains from the top of the unit to a shelf on the bottom, eliminating worries about water stains on patios and other areas. Available in three and four tiers, Mobilegro can be found at Summer Winds Nursery, Phoenix, summerwindsaz.com; and mobilegro.com.

FUN WITH CONCRETEDurable, trendy and simple to work with, concrete is finding its way into gardens in unexpected ways. In Concrete Garden Projects: Easy & Inexpensive Containers, Furniture, Water Features & More (Timber Press), Malin Nilsson and Camilla Arvidsson explore such DIY concrete possibilities as planters, birdbaths, tealight holders and decorative edges. Simply mix and pour. —LeeAnn DiSanti