Avid gardeners might like Gardener's Supply Co.

The 2023 Gardener's Supply catalog

     This avid gardener likes to look at magazines and catalogs, especially when spring rolls around.

    Years ago I stumbled over an organization called Gardener's Supply Co. This Vermont-based business, run by its employees, was launched in 1983 by William Raap. According to its website, the original mail-order company sought ideas and solutions from around the world to make gardening a little easier.

    I discovered it maybe 20 years ago. When I first called to order a product the salesperson said something like this: "Now we have you!" I was taken aback but the tubtrug I ordered -- an orange one -- was the first of many purchases.

    I bought six tubtrugs (large, colorful tubs with handles, to easily hold most anything). I use three tubs and I got one for each of the three daughters in the Baker family.

    Another time I ordered colorful, light hoses that are both functional and flexible. My three hoses are a bright violet color and look jazzy on black hose stands. I have a big yard and own two 50-foot hoses and one that's 25 feet long.

    These hoses can be tricky to neatly fold in cool weather, which we have in the Midwest. I leave them in the sun for several minutes and that makes the task much easier. One hose also sprung a leak, so I called the company and they promptly sent a replacement at no charge.

    One time I bought a special potting mix, and my poor husband never did understand that decision. "You bought dirt?" he asked, incredulous.

    I do weed a lot (and have blogged about that as well as wrote a blog on three local gardener's tolerance for weeds. 

    Last year I went through three different hand-held weeders. When my current one dies I plan to order a new, sturdy one from Gardeners' Supply. I think that company's employees have an understanding of gardeners like me.

    There are a few other things to like about Gardener's Supply:

    * They offer several products for gardeners with disabilities, or age-related issues.

    * Products, like the company's cedar garden beds, are made in-house.

    * They have a very public stand on promoting pollinators.

    * It is now 100% employee-owned.

    * When Michelle Obama planted the White House garden, she was helped by a company associate.

    * Food is grown outside each of the business locations, and donated to people in need.

    * Five Gardener's Supply locations are now in Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

    

The hand-held tools look sturdy.


    

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