If his gloves have had it, his tools are rusty and beyond repair and he just can’t reach high enough to trim the hedge, now is the time to give your gardening dad some much needed help on Father’s Day and beyond.
Bagging a practical gift to make his life easier while working in the garden is always a good bet, and there are plenty on the market from which to choose.
Here are some ideas…
1. Carbon Steel 3 Prong Cultivator (£27.99, Wilkinson Sword)
This handy tool will help him cultivate surface soil and loosen up hard, compacted ground, mixing compost, raking and cleaning debris in difficult spots, like between vegetables in rows. Made from high-quality carbon steel, the tool is tough, with a wood shaft and weatherproofed wooden handle.
2. Garden Tidy Bag (from £14.99, Town & Country)
Less cumbersome than a large plastic trug, dad can just pop open this lightweight, waterproof and easy-to-carry garden bag from Town & Country to collect leaves, debris and other rubbish. It’s got tough handles, so is easy to carry when full, and won’t take up much space in the shed, as it can be popped flat after use. Comes in small or large sizes.
3. Men’s Chunky Tread Clogs (£34.95, Backdoorshoes)
If dad’s always at a loss for shoes when he pops into the garden – or to put out the bins – a pair of Backdoorshoes would make life easier. The men’s Chunky Tread Clogs are lightweight, have spongy foam underfoot and are waterproof and easy to wear. They come in a variety of funky patterns, including nuts and bolts, chickens, brogues, chillies and grass. Available in size 8-14. Some patterns available in size 7.
4. Blade Edge Restorer (£11.49, Burgon & Ball)
It’s so annoying when secateurs and loppers just don’t cut properly because they’ve gone blunt, but this sharpening tool can just slip into a gardening apron or pocket to use on the go, as it’s only 12.5cm long. It will sharpen everything, from secateurs and hedge shears to loppers, and has a 2cm file on the tip in super carbide – a tough alloy, which should give it a long life. A non-slip grip makes it easy to use, and there’s a cap on the end for safety.
5. HandyMower (£174.99, Amazon)
If your dad lives in the city and has trouble mowing the lawn in small spaces, this Gardena 18v battery lawnmower could be the one for him. It’s ideal for areas of up to 50 square metres and is lightweight, so won’t involve a huge effort to lug it back into the shed. The mower doesn’t have a grass bag, but will shred glass clippings finely, leaving them to break down naturally, which also saves time and space. Supplied without battery and charger, but compatible with 18V batteries from the Power For All Alliance.
6. Heritage Anti-bramble Gauntlets (£40, Bradleys)
Don’t let dad cut his hands on brambles and other thorny plants when he’s pruning and clearing the garden. These superb handmade leather gardening gloves, crafted by Bradleys – a tannery in Shropshire – will protect his arms too, thanks to a 20cm saddle hide leather cuff, in brown or black. Available in small and large.
7. Cordless Hedge Trimmer MHT50 Li (£139, Mountfield)
To make light work of hedges, gift your dad this handy battery powered cordless hedge trimmer, part of its freedom500 range. It’ll cut like butter with its 58cm double-action laser-cut blade, and 180 degree rotating handle, with three different positions for maximum performance and precision cutting. Battery and charger sold separately.
