Corona Tools USA.  One peak inside my garden shed will reveal numerous Corona hand tools.  I have tried many other premier brands, including Fiskars, but I always return to Corona.  I have two bypass pruners that are at least five years old and they work like a charm.  An occasional sharpening with my nifty blade sharpener and I’m on to slicing my way through the next stem or branch.  Corona tools have been helping generations of agriculturists, gardeners, landscapers, arborists and construction professionals to achieve more, season after season since the 1920s. Their tools are built to last and designed specifically for the day-to-day needs of growers from all walks of life.  Dozens and dozens of tools, including ergonomic choices for easier cutting, are available online at http://www.coronatoolsusa.com/.  

Why not support the recycling movement by purchasing a rug made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and packaging?  The rugs come in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes.  The rugs don’t stain, absorb dirt or get moldy.  The woven recycled material breathes and doesn’t trap water so it dries quickly.  The color is set by state of the art conditioners and UV inhibitors so the ‘threads’ are colorfast and don’t fade.  Talk about maintenance free!  Susan Cole is the owner of Onice, a business offering thoughtful and unique gifts in Glassboro, NJ.  She typically only sells these rugs at flower shows and craft fairs but is now offering them through Perennially Yours at www.pyours.com, until she gets her own web site up and running.  I went ga-ga over these rugs.  Check out the outdoor room I created with one on my back porch.  I cannot say enough about the rugs' beauty and ease of care.  These rugs also can be used indoors.  Below are the six styles available.  Please note the image sizes may vary but the rugs are sized as noted on the order form.  All rugs can be available in 4' X 6', 5' X 7' or 6' X 9' sizes.  Prices range from $49 to $115.  At this point, only checks are accepted with the order form provided.  Click here for the form.   

                    
Blue & White                    Teal & Brown            Brown & Pink
Oriental Garland               Oriental Garland        Tall Grass



            

  
Cranberry Wildflower        Pennsylvania Dutch     Pennsylvania Dutch
                                              Cranberry                     Brown & Black 

I love gardening tools that make less work for me plus they save time in the process.  Many of you are familiar with the company, Mantis.  They are famous for being the makers of one of the world's favorite small tiller.  Well, hold on to your garden gloves because they have just introduced Mantis Deluxe Tillers.   These newly designed tillers are available in 2-cycle and 4-cycle models and feature, ergonomically designed comfort grips that are gentle on your hands.  Adjustable handles can be easily changed to the height that allows you to operate the tiller in the position most comfortable for you.  The Mantis Deluxe 2-Cycle Tiller/Cultivator comes standard with FastStart, which starts the engine with up to 75% less effort. The Mantis Deluxe 4-Cycle Tiller is powered by a Honda engine. It starts easily and requires no mixing of gas and oil. All Mantis tillers are backed by a 1-year money-back guarantee, a 5-year warranty, and a lifetime warranty against tine breakage.  To learn more, visit http://mantis.com/.

TOM MULLAN’S TREE AND STUMP REMOVAL SERVICE

Tom and his crew are my answer, and well as many others answers, to trees that need attention.  Tom Mullan’s Tree Service works magic on my majestic oak tree that periodically needs dead limbs removed.  They also trim trees that need reshaping, ‘tip-off’ longer limbs that are hitting the roof or side of my house, and grind out pesky tree stumps.  But don’t only think tree grooming is Tom’s expertise.  He can also handle storm damage, excavation, lot clearing and crane serves.  They’ve been in business in Saratoga County for over 25 years and were voted one of the best companies in the Saratogian’s 2010 Best Awards competition.  For more about Tom Mullan’s Tree and Stump Removal, visit their web site at http://www.tommullantreeservice.com/ or call him at 584-7259.

The Weed Hound Weeder.  I love this nifty, easy to use, back-saving weeding tool!  It almost makes me want more weeds in my lawn.  GASP!  The Weed Hound makes quick work of dandelions, plantains, and other broad-leafed lawn invaders.  Simply position this light-weight, steel tool over a weed, step on a lever at its base, pull up on a nob to grasp the weed, and then push down on the same nob to pop the weed off.   I don’t even bother to pick up the weeds afterwards (unless there are seed heads on the dandelions).  I just grind them up with my mulching mower, adding organic matter to the lawn.  If all of life could be so easy!  Many garden centers sell these in their tool sections.