Like any job you tackle, it's always easier if you
have the right tools. Before heading out to your
rose garden, make sure you arm yourself with
these basic rose gardening tools.

Gloves

"You can complain because a rose has thorns, or
you can rejoice because thorns have a rose." -
Tom Wilson.

The rose garden is no place for thin, wimpy
gloves. Unless you enjoy feeling the thorns pierce
your skin, opt for leather work gloves with those
big, fold-down cuffs.

Pruners

A good pruner is one tool that you will use almost
daily. There are two types of pruners on the
market. One is called an "anvil" pruner, and the
other is called a "bypass" pruner. An anvil pruner
has blades that meet on top of each other.
Bypass pruners have blades that pass each other
like scissors. Always use bypass pruners so you
don't crush your canes and stems.

Loppers

When your rose garden starts to mature there
will come a time when loppers will be
indispensable for cutting back old, thick canes
that are too much for pruning shears. If you are
just starting your rose garden, save your money,
since you won't need this for a few years.

Kneeling Pads

Some people prefer the big 8"x15" water-
resistant pads with handles, while others prefer
strap-on knee pads. The kneepads are more
convenient because they move when you move,
but the one-size-fits-all knee cups may not work
for you. In that case, the pad with handles should
suit you fine.

Short Digging Fork

This tool is indispensable for turning and
loosening soil in small patches. Choose a good
quality model with steel tines and a sturdy
handle.

Watering Wand

Great for watering potted roses and for giving
your other roses a good root soaking. Choose a
model with a quick shutoff valve on the wand
itself, and a quick release fitting for the end that
attaches to the hose. Spend the money to get a
wand with brass fittings instead of plastic. It will
last years longer.

Long-Handled Shovel

Choose a lightweight model with a strong handle.
Shovels with fiberglass throats are good choices.
Spend a few extra dollars and get one with a
padded handle, and it will save you lots of blisters
as the years go by.

Wheelbarrow

Avoid the temptation to buy the cute garden
"carts." You are going to need a real
wheelbarrow. As your gardening addiction--I
mean hobby--takes off there will be no end to the
things you will be hauling in and out of your
garden. Some of those things will be very heavy
and you'll be glad that you have a real
wheelbarrow to help you.

Garden Rake

This is the rake with the sharp steel teeth that
you use for leveling and smoothing beds. Choose
one with a sturdy handle and steel tines.

Leaf Rake

You'll use this tool often for cleaning up clippings,
leaves and other garden debris. You may want to
buy both a regular size rake, and one of the
smaller "child size" rakes for pulling debris from
tight quarters.

You shouldn't have any trouble locating these
basic rose gardening tools. Your local garden
supply store will likely stock them, or if you don't
mind purchasing gently-used items, check out
yard sales for your gardening supplies.

Enjoy yourself!