Gardening tools

Gardening tools are essential and having a few well-made tools are important.  I work my gardening tools and selected them accordingly.  While digging up carrots, of all things, my spading fork snapped in half.  I was left holding the handle while the tines remained in the soil.  The spading fork is my go-to tool; she is the most versatile and was used the most.  I was crestfallen!  Thankful, however, the fork didn't break until the end of the season, and it did last seven seasons.  Still, I expected a much longer life.

Part of my gardening plans include replacing my garden fork.  With any luck I will find an all-steel construction version.

Included below is a list of companies who sell gardening tools and supplies.  Have fun browsing around, shopping and, ultimately, gardening!

Red Pig Garden Tools & Blacksmith: This company makes their tools by hand!  To quote their web page - "We use steel, fire, an anvil and good, honest sweat."  They'll even make a custom tool for you if you don't see what you're looking for.  Yes, please.  I will own a Red Pig tool.  Perhaps the 2-Tine Hand Weeding Fork?

Corona Tools:  "Founded in the early 1920s, Corona, Inc. is a leader in the marketing and manufacturing of professional and consumer tools for the lawn and garden, landscape, irrigation, construction and agriculture markets." 

Ames True Temper: "With a history that spans more than 230 years, Ames' growth and operation parallels the expansion of the United States in both peace and wartime."

Seymour Manufacturing Company: "Founded in 1872, Seymour Manufacturing makes lawn and garden hand tools, replacement handles, and fireplace accessories for a wide range of home, farm, commercial and industrial applications."

Council Tool:  "For 125 years, Council tool in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina has been manufacturing some of the finest American made tools available.  As one of the oldest forging operation in the United States, Council tool was founded by John Pickett Council in 1886 and fourth generation Council family members manage the company today."

Clarington: English made garden tools since 1780.

Winter 2012

It's always hard to believe just how quickly each season passes.  Winter has officially arrived and what remained growing in the garden has finally fallen under it's spell.

Collard greens, kale, leeks and parsley were being harvested well after Thanksgiving.  Today, in fact, I will attempt to harvest what remains of the leeks so they can be used to make a quiche for Christmas breakfast.  Quiche Poireaux aux Champignons (leeks and mushrooms) with the recipe from Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  I look forward to the house smelling of sautéing leeks.

I've eaten quiche many times over the years and each time I've thought 'I'd like to make a quiche' but have never done so.  Leeks from our garden, grown from seed no less, Christmas breakfast, and Julia's wisdom create the perfect trinity for my first crack at quiche.

Merry Christmas and a joyful, healthy, adventurous and fruitful new year to you!

Winter blooms

Amaryllis

Chet can be difficult to photograph.
He rarely stands still.

UPDATE:  The leek harvest was successful.  The leeks were beautiful and quite flavorful.  The quiche was also delicious.  Yay!

Harvested leeks.
They sat inside for several hours to allow the soil to warm up as well as dry.
This make it much easier to separate the leeks from the clump of soil.

Chet sampling a leek frond.

The fragrant break-down.

Cleaned up and ready for slicing and sautéing.

Alas, I neglected to photograph the freshly baked quiche.  You'll have to trust me -and Julia's recipe- that the quiche was fantastically delicious.