Chelsea is a launch pad for many new products, machines and gadgets. Here is the pick of the best.
Water wizard
Perhaps the most useful launch onto the market is the Bowdry by Bowcom at Bridgwater, Somerset. The pushable machine clears standing water from patios or even grass, with its 30in replaceable, foam-coated front roller. Liquids are squeezed by a bar into the rear hopper, which can then be emptied down a drain through a plug in its base. This machine will set you back £495, but the company is making a smaller 15in model which will have a lift-out tank and will cost around £195. Tel: 01278 427582
Rain drain
Harcostar Garden Products at Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, have come to the aid of gardeners who use water butts to catch rain run-off from roofs and gutters. Up to now run-off has had to be transferred to watering cans to use, but the company has taken the wraps off its FreeFlow drip irrigation system. This fits to a water butt and then slowly releases droplets of water to plants under the force of gravity – a single nozzle drips a wineglass full an hour. There are six different kits in all, including one for "Beds and Borders" and another for "Pots and Containers". Kits start at £29.99. Tel: 01480 445113
Spray day
Irrigation specialist Gardena are showing visitors its hand-held Twin Set Sprayer. This has two adjustable spray patterns – hard jet and mist spray. More importantly it also has a rose sprayer for watering delicate plants, which can only usually be carried out with a watering can. The sprayer costs £9.99. Tel: 0191 217 1537
Heirloom Dig-its
Tool manufacturer Burgon & Ball have been established since 1730, so it’s appropriate it has launched a range of Heirloom Stainless Steel Hand Tools this year. There are six tools in the range with hardwood handles and a leather hanging strap, including a two-pronged weeding fork and a hand hoe. Tools cost around £5.49 each. Tel: 0114 233 8262
Hedge your bets
Get the better of the so-called ‘hedge from hell’ with Darlac Products Leylandii Shear. This two-bladed device fits to a telescopic pole and will easily keep your conifer hedge in shape, although it can be used on any hedges, such as privet. Extend the pole and growth 5m from the ground can be trimmed back. Although this is only really suitable for annual growth, a saw attachment can be added for tougher branches. The shears and a pole costs £33.90. Tel: 01753 547790 |
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Bowdry
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Gardena Twin Set Sprayer
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Darlac Leylandii Shear
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