New Inventions: Best of gadgets & tools
by Martyn Cox
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

Bowdry
Gardena Twin Set Sprayer
Darlac Leylandii Shear
Marquee recycling
Who would have thought that pieces of an old tent could be sold for good money, but The Old Chelsea Marquee Company has been doing roaring business selling products created from the remains of Chelsea’s Great Marquee, which has been replaced this year by modern PVC structures. Gardeners have been snapping up picnic bags, toolbelts, place mats and even waistcoats that will set you back £84.99. Tel: 01803 859800; you can also order online at www.old-chelsea-marquee.com.

Petrol powered
Garden machinery manufacturer Stihl has launched its first petrol-driven hedge trimmer that been specifically designed for gardeners. The 18in blade HS45 model costs £269.00 and is claimed to have a powerful cutting performance, thanks to a double-edged blade. The machine engine parts are enclosed in round-edged plastic casing, which make it easy to clean and safe. It should also be comfortable to use as it only weighs 5Kg and has built-in vibration dampers. Tel: 01276 20202

Get in trim
Swedish mower and power tool company, Husqvarna have unveiled some new grass trimmers, which includes the 322 C model, which the manufacturer claims is lightweight, and has a curved shaft which gives the user good control when working in small, or difficult to reach areas. Several design features have been built in for operator comfort - vibration levels are low and it has been fitted with Husqvarna’s Whisper trimmer line, which reduces noise levels by up to 50 per cent when compared to normal lines. Tel: 01453 822382

Take control
Toro has invented an ingenious device that will put you in control of your mower. Its Automatic Drive system gives you the freedom to speed up or slow down at your own walking pace, by putting gentle pressure on a handle to drive it forward and pulling back to slow it down. It has been fitted to three different mowers with 48, 51 and 53cm cutting decks. Prices start at £499 going up to £800 for the larger model. Tel: 01202 209209

Photos by Martyn Cox

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