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  Classic Gardens November 25, 2008 at 8:01pm

  If its garden maintenance
  
  A good petrol blower
  A good mower not one from B+Q it will fall apart in a year
  All the hand tools, hoe e.t.c e.t.c
  Secauters like pro gard said the best by far are felco but cost the earth and if you loose a pair a month like me then buy c.k ones there half the price and nearly as good.
  
  I think if i was left at a job on my own thats all i would need
  
  hope it helps
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  Mark November 25, 2008 at 8:23pm

  Depends what work you want to do and what comes your way...I am another that buys cheap secauters as clearing big borders this time of year creates a lot of waste..it just swallows tools up unless your vigilant !!
  
  I have found a 17lb metal post hole digging bar very useful to cut through roots and remove shrubs & small trees. I now rely on my spade & fork being very strong the makers name has worn off but I think they were Bulldog ? I also carry a mattock if the ground is unwilling to yield. folding tree saw & a long reach lopper are all handy too...
  
  Blimey come to think of it I couldn't do without any of the stuff I've got
  
  I tended to build up the tools as the jobs arose.
  
  Anyway all the best with it..
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  Kerrie John-The garden design Co November 25, 2008 at 9:44pm

  Hi Sandra
  Pro Gard hit it on the head, Felco secauters are a must, purchase the most expensive you can afford, make sure they are not too heavy and can slip easily in your back pocket.
  
  Gloves - Lightweight leather, rubbery thorn proof, waterproof, everyday protection. You will replace all these many times but it is great to have protection whatever the weather and garden throws at you.
  
  Spade - get one which feels comfortable, not too heavy or with a massive head. You may move ground in bigger chunks, but you won't be able to move in the morning! Same with the fork. I use a brand with a 'shock' absorbing thing that lessens the dull thud from your shoulders when ramming it into a buried boulder.
  
  Twine, u shaped hooks, hammer, sissors, plastic bendy things to tie in climbers, hankies, lip salve, rain protection, seat covers for your car (when you are wet and muddy) and a flask! Oh, and lipstick. x
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  Sweetpea November 26, 2008 at 4:27pm

  Hi Kerrie,
  
  Thanks for the tips.I have quite a few bits including Wilkinson Sword fork,spade,trowel , mini saw thing,shears.They have a range which is supposed to be energy efficient or something along those lines so I thought they would be good as I will no doubt need all the help I can get to keep going !
  
  I have some lovely Dickies waterproofs I got cheap off Ebay and a nasty Small Business Accounts book from Smiths the other day.Logo being prepared etc and I hope to get off the ground soon.
  
  Like the girly tips at the end!
  
  Sandra x
  
  
  
  Kerrie said:

  Hi Sandra
  Pro Gard hit it on the head, Felco secauters are a must, purchase the most expensive you can afford, make sure they are not too heavy and can slip easily in your back pocket.
  
  Gloves - Lightweight leather, rubbery thorn proof, waterproof, everyday protection. You will replace all these many times but it is great to have protection whatever the weather and garden throws at you.
  
  Spade - get one which feels comfortable, not too heavy or with a massive head. You may move ground in bigger chunks, but you won't be able to move in the morning! Same with the fork. I use a brand with a 'shock' absorbing thing that lessens the dull thud from your shoulders when ramming it into a buried boulder.
  
  Twine, u shaped hooks, hammer, sissors, plastic bendy things to tie in climbers, hankies, lip salve, rain protection, seat covers for your car (when you are wet and muddy) and a flask! Oh, and lipstick. x
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  Sweetpea November 26, 2008 at 4:29pm

  Hi Mark
  
  Thanks for your tips.I have heard a few people mention Bulldog so if my Wilkinson Swords give up I will give them a go!
  
  
  Mark said:

  Depends what work you want to do and what comes your way...I am another that buys cheap secauters as clearing big borders this time of year creates a lot of waste..it just swallows tools up unless your vigilant !!
  
  I have found a 17lb metal post hole digging bar very useful to cut through roots and remove shrubs & small trees. I now rely on my spade & fork being very strong the makers name has worn off but I think they were Bulldog ? I also carry a mattock if the ground is unwilling to yield. folding tree saw & a long reach lopper are all handy too...
  
  Blimey come to think of it I couldn't do without any of the stuff I've got
  
  I tended to build up the tools as the jobs arose.
  
  Anyway all the best with it..
• 

  Sweetpea November 26, 2008 at 4:52pm

  Hi Martin,
  
  Thanks for your advice.
  
  I would like to get a blower and and think maybe petrol best ? Also,I would need something light as possible .What would you suggest?
  
  Thinking about a hedge trimmer too,again any suggestions would be very welcome.
  
  I have a petrol mower at the moment for my own personal use which I think I will use until it dies.I think its a Mountfield.
  
  How do you get them in the van? with a plank?
  
  martin said:

  If its garden maintenance
  
  A good petrol blower
  A good mower not one from B+Q it will fall apart in a year
  All the hand tools, hoe e.t.c e.t.c
  Secauters like pro gard said the best by far are felco but cost the earth and if you loose a pair a month like me then buy c.k ones there half the price and nearly as good.
  
  I think if i was left at a job on my own thats all i would need
  
  hope it helps
• 

  Sweetpea November 26, 2008 at 4:55pm

  Hello ProGard
  
  Thank for your tips
  
  I can do quite a few things but general maintenance,upkeep I suppose and lawns.
  
  I will probably go for the Felco but will have to be more careful with them than I am with my cheapies at the moment!
  
  I have a Wilkinson Sword fold up saw which I think is similar to the gomatro?
  
  
  Thanks
  Pro Gard said:

  whatservices do you intend to offer?
  
  
  As a start for ten, Regarless of the above a pair of felco secauters and a silky gomatro.
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  James November 26, 2008 at 5:33pm

  Something i've found invaluable are those trugs/flexable tubs (i think thats what they are called !)
  
  They can be used for alsorts. I use them most working in a border when cutting back, collecting leaves rather than dragging a bag round with you. Also good for keeping smaller tools together in the van.
  
  I think it was mentioned above about buying tools as and when you need them. This has worked well for myself, I started out with the basics and built on that as and when I needed things.
  
  Never tried a bulldog spade but as I broke my spear and jackson yesterday removing a knackered old fence post i'm in the market for a new spade ...
  
  Hope all goes well
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  Kerrie John-The garden design Co November 26, 2008 at 5:40pm

  Yes, TUBTRUGS! I bought two really great ones from Tesco recently in a lovely shade of blue (they do pink too) cost £4/£5 each. Although use them for the washing routine, have used them for soaking muddy footy gear, soaking school shirts and containers whilst weeding and used them yesterday to bath the dog.
  
  A million uses and squashy so can tuck them in a small space in the car/van.
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  James November 26, 2008 at 5:46pm

  I went for a couple of black ones ...the pink wouldn't quite work with the worn jeans and the stubble lol