My father was a very wise man, and one of his favourite sayings was, “A bad workman always blames his tools.” This saying was often fired at his four children who, at the time, hotly disputed it, but as we got older we began to agree with him. Today I have to disagree….VERY strongly.
So come, let me show you what I’m working with.
First, feast your eyes upon my worn and threadbare broom, and note how my mini leaf rake is literally about to fall apart. The spade you see here is only twelve months old…and has actually fallen apart. Just goes to show how hard I’ve been working, or how shoddy tools are today!
So I’ve had to resort to using this ANCIENT old spade that I think belonged to my father…when he was a lad! The tip once formed a point but has now actually curled up making digging extremely difficult. And as for my trowels….WHY do they always bend over at the tips???? Why oh why oh why? I must go through ten of these a year.
And secateurs, is it just me or do you all have a problem with the spring bit in the middle falling off? And just look at my poor old kneeling mat, Curly cat has scratched it to within an inch of it’s life!
My gardening tools are faring no better in the back garden, once again my spade has snapped, and once again I’ve fallen back to using another ancient old spade, which may have actually belonged to my granddad….. it may be blunt but at least it stays in one piece. It would seem that all my gardening kit is in dire straits, and for some strange reason, to top it all, my garden fork has completely disappeared….poof….just like that, and I urgently need one as I have to punch hundreds of holes in the meadow before I can sprinkle the wild flower seed. Time methinks to go shopping, which I did.
I began by looking for a garden fork, and was shocked by how few garden centers actually sold one, and the ones that did were charging £20. Is it just me or is that a bit steep? Anyway, I refused to pay that much so went online. In the end I found one at Argos who had a reasonably priced range of garden tools and were selling forks for £10. So, this weekend I pottered off to buy one but ended up in a totally different store where I bought myself this….
A wonderful wrought iron windmill thing! Given the winds we’ve been having it’s been a joy to watch, now hubs and I are pondering on how to harness the energy, maybe some sort of battery…..But being sidetracked doesn’t get holes punched in my meadow does it?
Or get this final patch of felled tree border dug out! Talking of which, I have now turned three quarters of it over and only have this little bit to go.
And I’ve planted a gorgeous Witch Hazel, a Clematis and six Dogwood bushes in the freshly dug area, all of which are wonderful for insects and wildlife. Now I’m pondering on making my own Witch Hazel…..wouldn’t that be smashin’!
Maybe my garden fork is hiding in Curly cat’s shed, which I don’t use anymore as it’s a sanctuary for Curly. She’s been hunkering down day and night in here during the recent storms, I’ve even had to put her food in there. Still, at least she’s warm and safe, and I do go in and stroke her.
And finally, another little miracle bird. Hubs brought this home on Monday night. It was in the middle of the road and ten cars drove right over it before hubs reached it and stopped. It was lying on it’s back but he had a feeling it was still alive. When he picked it up, it’s head was lolling but it’s eyes were bright so he put it in his woolly jacket and turned the heating up. He was most surprised when it suddenly sat up. He said he chatted to it all the way home? Poor bird eh? Anyway, it only had a small injury on it’s chest and astonishingly it’s wings are fine, so it’s in the rescue where it will receive a little tlc and many a good feed as it is rake thin. It was even gobbling it’s food when I had it overnight. So, looks like a happy ending. Marvelous stuff!
Goodness, those tools have been worked HARD! They look as though they’ve been through the wars — perhaps they have with concrete heaps and wayward tree hackers and one definitely hard-working gardener (that’s you!). I do agree the tools can be expensive and I don’t usually mind paying for better quality workmanship, but so often more expensive doesn’t equal better quality.
As for those secateurs — no springy thing? I have ARS pruners and love them. Have had the same pair for about fifteen years and they still work brilliantly.
Well done to hubs for saving the little feathered friend. Curly cat certainly looks at home in the shed and not a little bit like something out of princess and the pea!
Why thank you Anne….lol, maybe you are right, concrete and rock hard earth would test the best tools!
ARS eh…I must go look them up, I do agree though, some tools cost the earth and don’t perform well. I’m impressed you’ve had yours for fifteen years, that speaks paperbacks!!!
I am laughing re Curly’s heap of duvets, I hadn’t realized how many she actually had!!! xxx
Keeping it in the family as far as tools go. Your Dad and Grandad would be quite rapt to know you are using their tools. It is planting time and before long your gardens will be full of all sorts of great stuff.
I must say that the old tools are long lived Peter. You are spot on, the garden is bursting into life! xxx
you feel so great when you save a little life…
🙂 claudine
It is wonderful to have the bird safe and warm and off the road….I really hope it makes it. Thanks Claudine.xxx
Forgive the flippance but I had to laugh when I saw that you’d gone out for a fork and come back with a (rather beautiful) windmill – you won’t get your meadow spiked with that ! Too funny! I agree with Flighty about the Felco’s secateurs (I have 2) although I also have a good pair from Homebase that have served me well for many years. Good maintenance is key – I always clean, oil and store my tools (like my dad and grandad did).
Lol…you laugh away, I did myself. I get sidetracked so easily by bright shiny objects, and still I have no fork….I even crept under Curly’s duvets today in the hope of finding the darn thing, but no….I think it must have evaporated!
I am almost at the point where I will invest in Felco’s secateurs….but struth, they aint cheap are they….still everyone rates them so they must be good. Thanks Caro.xxx
I’d say you’ve gotten your money’s worth out of your tools! And a good thing, as it enables you to buy artistic windmills! My only advice would be buy good quality tools, cheap tools are a false economy.
Lol…you do have a good point Jason….scrimping on the tools has allowed for a few garden ornaments, but I think the time has come to get some decent pieces! xxx
I inherited all my dad’s old tools and they are still going strong. I have been through hundreds of pairs of secateurs too but my dad’s Felco ones have never let me down. I have a stainless steel spade but my favourite fork’s handle snapped. I’m sure they don’t make tools to last these days on purpose. What a lucky pigeon – so glad it is ok – poor thing.
I’m glad to hear you have your Dads’ tools, they will serve you well. I must say I love the feel of the old weooden handles on the old spades, they feel so welcoming somehow. I think I will have to get a decent pair of secateurs, there’s nowt worse than a blunt blade…. it’s odd how all these spades and fork handles snap….useless they are! Yes, poor old pige has certainly been through the mill.Thanks Elaine.xxx
I think the angels send creatures to you that need care. :o) Cheap tools don’t last. My tools aren’t’ the highest quality, but are durable enough to last for several years. Time to go shopping again! A decent quality shovel here is at least $40.
Ahhhh….if the angels send them I’ll certainly do my best for them….a lovely thought.
Cheap tools ….sighs….they are a waste of time. Wow….your spades don’t come cheap either! Gardening can be an expensive pastime for sure. I suppose I’ll have to bite the bullet and go for a new fork! Thanks Casa xxx
Poor little bird! I hope he makes it! You make me feel so much better about my old and battered tools. Shamefully I often leave my secateurs ( we call them pruners here) out in the rain.
I hope the bird pulls through too….our roads are no place for birds.
Phew….glad to hear I’m not the only one who leaves the secateurs out in the rain!!!xxx
OK, Here’s a site that might interest you. check out ‘Tools for Self Reliance’, Crickhowell, Powys, Wales.
It was started by someone I vaguely knew in the Magical Town of Crickadoon, and it’s all about refurbishing old garden tools. I used to buy all my tools there…..because good tools do make a difference:) I think when I your Dad and I were young, things were made to last a lot longer.
Love the windmill and Curley’s little home….also the story about the bird and your husband,
Your book could be called ‘Dina’s magical world’ – Thank you as always for a fab post, and now it’s time for book and bed:)xxx
I couldn’t agree more Janet, the old tools stand the test of time and are still going strong.
What an interesting site, I will certainly check it out, thanks for that.
The bird is a lucky one for sure…..and Curly’s shed is as good as I can make it, there are lots of duvets and baskets in there and it’s warm and dry.
Lol…..Dina’s Magical World eh…..Ahh, I DO like that!!! Thanks Janet.xxx
I’ve loved reading this because I’ve been nodding in agreement, Dina. So many modern tools aren’t made to last and it’s no wonder with all your gardening that they’re falling apart. I’m not surprised that your old family tools are still going – they were made to last.
I love the wrought iron windmill, I imagine it is whirring round a lot at the moment!
I’m so pleased you rescued the poor Pigeon – what a lucky little bird to have you and hubs on hand!
We do seem to live in a shoddy, disposable society these days, I’m sure in the past the tools were reasonably priced but had craftsmen building them. Now if you want quality you have to fork out a small fortune.
Lol….the whirligig is positively flying around, and it’s so relaxing watching it…..soothing somehow.
The bird is lucky, fancy surviving all those cars…..amazing when you think about it. Thanks Wendy.xxx
I agree with you and disagree with the whole ‘poor workman blames his tools’ thing…. treat yourself to some quality gardening tools… you deserve them the time you put into your gardening!
Love the amazing great twirly windmill thing and yes…. must be a way to harness the energy from the whizzing aroundness of it all!!
Glad hubs picked up the pigeon and everything – and that the pigeon is recovering – he/she is definitely in the very best place to be looked after!
As for Curly cat…. she has a palace! All those duvets piled up make me think of the princess and the pea story…..! :)xxx
Y’know Arose, I think I will, then I shall have to take good care of them!!!
I must say the whirligig is rather hypnotizing….I can’t take my eyes off it, very relaxing…..now to get the energy into a battery!!! We’ll need to put out geek hats on!
Poor old pige eh? lol….I did laugh re the Princess and the pea …..maybe the cat has too many duvets! She has lots of cat baskets in there too…xxx
At least your kneeler is still in one piece.. Other Half mowed over mine.
Great news on that poor pigeon!
Oh nooooooooo….so sorry but can’t help laughing! I have my fingers crossed for the pigeon.xxx
Unfortunately tools are one of the things you have to spend money on. I’m slowly building up an expensive collection but as i struggle to use a fork & spade I save by not having them. Your cat looks ever so comfy.
I do agree Joanne, I suppose I’ll have to take the plunge and invest one fine day. I am beginning to find that digging is becoming more difficult.
Curly is very snug in the shed, she’s a stray and dislikes the dogs so won’t come indoors, which is a shame. The shed is as good as it gets, at least she is warm and comfy and has lots of duvets and cat baskets.xxx
Oh what a wonderful post. Yes sadly I have to agree with Flighty – we too have discovered it’s not worth buying the cheap tools, they just fall apart so quickly 🙁 – and the good ones are expensive 8|
How great that the pigeon survived and is now in pigeon paradise, with lots of tlc and three meals a day!!
Yes, I have to agree with Flighty too, if I invest I shall certainly take better care of my kit!
I do believe we have another miracle bird on our hands…..fingers crossed. Thanks Gilly.xxx
If you bought the best tools, like stainless steel ones, that you could afford, then they would last and you’d probably save money in the long term.
A trowel that bends over like that is a sure sign that it’s a cheapie., so rathet than buy ten in a year buy one, or two, really good ones which should last years. Buy a pair of Felco secateur’s and they’ll last you just about forever.
It’s also worth looking after any tools that you have by keeping them clean and storing them properly.
Curly looks very comfy and warm in his shed! xx
You are spot on re the trowels I buy Flighty, the trouble is the garden is so big I’m forever losing them, but maybe if I bought decent ones I would take better care of them, I had a look at Felco’s, they do seem to have really good quality secateurs so now I am sorely tempted to buy a pair….or two, so thanks for the recommendation. Every year I promise myself that I’ll take better care of my tools….hopefully this is the year I do. Thanks Flighty.xxx
Ahhhh…..Must admit ‘tools’ do seem to ‘wear’ much quicker these days..and…replacements do not come cheap. 🙄
Despite the ‘tooll’ problems you do appear to have matters well under control….Love the final flourish of feathered friend….Excellent! Hugs! xx
Good quality tools certainly don’t come cheap these days, they do add to the cost of gardening which can be an expensive hobby.
I actually think I’m winning with the back garden, now I just need it to burst into life. Thanks Bushka.xxx
Love the happy ending and can completely sympathize with the wreckage of garden tools: they were made so much better in our parents’ and grandparents’ day. the planned obsolescence of modern manufacturing certainly puts a crimp in the budget…lucky you, Dina, to have those reliable old tools, curled or not…and I do try to oil and sand and take care of my tools, but they last a few years at most.
How glorious your yard and gardens look to my winter-weary eyes. Love the dogwood and witch hazel…and WOW! That new whirligig is amazing!
Hooray for your tender-hearted and brave husband and to you, for caring enough to rescue the dove: so the world is saved. Thank you for a wonderful post! 🙂
I couldn’t agree more Kitty, I think everything was made better back in the day, especially tools and furniture. I really should take better care of my tools and maybe they would last a little longer, but I get forgetful and leave trowels and other small items out in the rain or lose them altogether….I think I my ancient tools could do with a makeover, maybe I should just invest in them
Lol…I do love my whirligig, I can get totally sidetracked!
I am really looking forward to seeing my back garden burst into life, it has been a lot of work but worth it. Here’s to your spring….Thanks Kitty.xxx
Very lucky bird. It probably has nine lives more methinks.
Tools are interesting. Like people they can and do fall apart. Without care and nourishment they do not perform.
I hope the bird survives Menhir, I can’t believe over ten cars drove over it.
Yes, you’re right, a little tlc works wonders for tools, something I’m not very good at.xxx
We bought most of our garden tools over 30 years ago and they are still gong strong – one exception is secateurs which seem to go through at a tremendous rate. Maybe I should invest in a really good pair but then I’d just lose them!!
I think the older tools are far superior, and they didn’t cost an arm and a leg, it’s the same with the old fashioned watering cans and misters…I’m with you on losing secateurs….and trowels, the ground seems to swallow them up. xxx
It does look like your tools take a battering.
Well done to you and hubs with the bird.
I think you’re being kind just calling what I do to my tools a battering….Thanks Steph.xxx
Both you and your husband seem to be in the right places at just the right time, thank goodness. A very happy ending indeed. I find that tools these days aren’t made to last as they were years ago, I’ve gone through a few spades and forks, yet my dad’s, which he bought many years ago, are still going strong.
It does seem like fate at times the number of injured animals we come across, I hope this little guy pulls through, I have my fingers crossed. Y’know, I don’t think anything is made to last anymore, it’s odd that old inexpensive tools still stand the test of time isn’t it. Seems that to get good quality now you have to pay an arm and a leg. Thanks Jo.xxx