NATURAL GARDENER

by Valerie Easton

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Y ENTIRE tness motivation, such as it is, comes from wanting to be strong and exible enough to work long hours in the garden. I never did like to run or go to the gym. One dog or another has always demanded a long, brisk walk a couple of times a day, so that helps with aerobics. I started practicing yoga almost 40 years ago and have never stopped. Regular downward dogs, twists and planks are why I can still hoist big bags of soil and havent hurt my back (much) over the many seasons of heavy garden work. I could hire some of this stuff done, but I also know theres always going to be a big pot I can just picture in a different place, an overhanging branch pruneable only by a precarious stretch, and one big transplanting hole or another to be dug. Yoga helps with balance, as well as building muscles and fortitude. Its sup-

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WIDE WORLD BOOKS & MAPS

Tools for keeping your garden and yourself in shape

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The i1015 case

The Steel Fingernail

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posed to cultivate restraint as well, but maybe that takes more than 40 years of practice. Ive slowly come to realize it takes more than tness to stay safe in the garden. Im not much interested in tools and trappings. Its always been about plants for me. But it pays to work smart. Here are a few tools and products Ive been using, or would love to use, to keep gardening fun and myself in one piece: While this rst item isnt exactly essential, nothing eases your mind like having your phone close by when youre expecting a call. And work goes more quickly with a favorite playlist in your ears. A lightweight, indestructible case for your iPhone or iPod, Droid or Blackberry may be your most frequently reached-for garden accessory. The i1015 case from Pelican Products has a built-in cable manager to keep earphones and cords clean and organized, and in case of an errant sprinkler or trowel blade its waterproof and crushproof (www.pelican.com). Getting down to practicalities is what the CobraHead Steel Fingernail is all about, vanquishing weeds with a ick of its evil-looking curved blade. This easily wielded tool can

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COURTESY OF GARDENERS SUPPLY

The raised bed, above. The Vegtrug, below.