Remember those tools you tossed into the shed after planting the last tulip bulb? They may need your attention now – otherwise come spring you’ll have a pile of dirt-caked trowels and rusty pruners. No fun.
To help inspire you, the Miller Library has a fine collection of books on the tools of gardeners. Most recent is A History of the Garden in Fifty Tools by Bill Laws, a delight to read with lots of practically, too.
Each tool is defined; a rake is “a tool employed, like the farmer’s harrow, to comb the ground for a variety of purposes.” Next is the origin: “the scarecrow took the place of the women or children once paid to frighten off birds.”
Following is a history of each tool—including accessories such as potting sheds, hats and gloves, and the unexpected, such as the language Latin. I was fascinated by these stories from around the world. Even Seattle Public Utilities is quoted by this British author, who noted their keen efforts to encourage composting.
This book would be great for a cozy chair by the winter fireplace. After you’ve cleaned your tools, of course!
Published in Garden Notes: Northwest Horticultural Society, Winter 2015