THE old adage of 'you get what you pay for' particularly applies to tools required for your garden.
While each individual has their own particular requirements the following is a suggested starting list for a new gardener.
■A spade has a flat square blade ideally with a sharp edge. Spades are very ideal for cutting into submerged roots and harder ground but only have short handles and smallish blades.
■A long handled shovel on the other hand is good for moving larger quantities of materials and has the benefit of long handles to give better leverage, making it easier on your back when doing a lot of work.
■A mattock is especially useful for digging into very hard ground and has a vertical and horizontal blade edge which can be used as a cutting implement. Particularly useful for digging out tree and shrub stumps.
■Pruning secateurs are available as either bypass or anvil style. While I prefer the bypass type, each to their own.
Good ones are not cheap and properly cared for will last a lifetime. Use for material up to 25mm diameter.
■Bush saw for cutting larger branches — greater than 25mm — and activities such as pruning roses and fruit trees and cutting down small trees.
■A rake is good for both levelling soil and sifting rocks and clumps from garden beds.
■Hand tools - a small trowel and fork are good for planting smaller plants, bulbs and weeding.
■Stiff yard broom for general cleaning along with a leaf rake.
Remember your local hardware store or nursery has experts on hand to advise you in the selection of the best tools to suit your needs and the best way to maintain them.
For more inspiration contact Michael Lee at www.greenthumbgardener.com.au