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Illinois Yard and Garden
After a gardening year that can only be described as atypical, which is "typical" in Illinois, we can only look forward to the possibilities of 2005. December signals the end of the garden season. Well, sort of. The gardening season never seems to end. There is no rest for the avid gardener. We are always rinding something to keep our interest, or help us develop further interest. But, the holiday season is upon us, with folks rushing this way and that, putting up the lights on their houses and evergreens, searching the corner lots for the perfect Christmas tree, and stressing out over just about everything. I was thinking, "If someone asks what to get me for a holiday, what do I really want?" Or, "What can I get someone that they need?" Now, realize that "want" is different from "need" though the two might be the same at various times. This past year, I came across ergonomically correct tools. They've been around for years, and are often found next to the spades and shovels. Usually these "correct" tools have a light layer of dust covering them from the fact that they look just plain weird. Ergonomically correct tools are supposed to be designed with your body in mind first and the job to be done second. The goal is to put less strain on the body, and thus decrease the risk of strains and pulled muscles. Ben-Gay does not manufacture them. Proper tools mean less aches and pains, which has to make gardening and yard work more fun and enjoyable. And looking at them, you might think, "What would the neighbors think of me using these tools?" Probably that you're weird, but that might just keep them away. And if they don't think you're slightly askew, or short one seed in the pod, they probably are insanely jealous, and are thinking of ways to purloin your special tools when you aren't looking.
On the other hand, there is nothing like sharing unusual tools with neighbors. They can't claim the tool is theirs. Some of the tools are actually small hand tools such as trowels, weeding forks, saws, and rakes. There is a rubber handle you can grip, plus a bunch of metal rods that usually go up to the elbow, and a rubber strap by the elbow to force you to use the tool the way the muscles in the arms should be used. Okay.. .a young gardener, or a not-so-young gardener, would swell up his chest, and say that they can get by with the old hand tools just fine, thank you. That is until you start using a couple and realize that no matter what age you are, the tools do seem to work better, and don't cause as much muscle strain. Not that I want to use the saw for eight hours straight mind you, but there is a lot less stress. One down-side is that most of these tools are meant to be used at ground level. That brings up the issue of padding. Some of us are padded in various locations and to varying degrees. But our knees are seldom padded. So, while you're out looking for the tools, look for one of the cushioned kneeling pads. I go with the bright reds, oranges and yellows so they don't get lost in the garden. Rule of thumb—never buy a green tool or accessory. It's easy to lose. Other options include padded knee guards, or one of the little rolling carts. However, the seats of the carts usually aren't padded, so you may have to add an old kitchen seat cushion. There are larger ergonomic tools, but my biggest complaint is that, while they work well, you have to be the right size. In the tool world, there is a concept of one-size-fits-all. That's where the agony starts. Short people need short-handled tools. Taller people need longer tools. To get anything else is just asking for back, knee, and shoulder ache.
16 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING www.icl.coop |
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