As gardens spring back to life, having the right stuff makes all the difference. We’ve curated this season’s most innovative and reliable garden essentials—from boots and blooms to balms and bags.
Tame prickly beasts with these Felco 705 Rose Gloves—your armor against vicious roses. Their leather-suede construction and adjustable nylon cuff shield against even the nastiest thorns, making them essential gear for pruning brutal beauties. $47. America.Felco.com
Hunter Boots bring serious protection against garden muck. These full-height, 100 percent waterproof warriors stop debris from sneaking in, unlike ankle boots that collect every leaf and twig. Available in classic green plus cheerful yellow, red, and navy—perfect for conquering streams, mud, and messy garden tasks. $175. HunterBoots.com. And make sure to keep your feet and toes warm with tall wool boot socks from Le Laboureur. In brown or green. $42. GardenHeir.com
Labour and Wait’s French work jacket, Bleu de Travail—made in partnership with the Euro brand Le Mont St. Michel—is the most practical of jackets. Utilitarian and stylish, it’s in iconic blue cotton twill and is a favorite of garden superstar Monty Don. £225 (international shipping available). LabourAndWait.co.uk
Ditch your measley canvas tote and clunky trug. This rugged waxed Harvesting & Gathering Bag from Barebones Living features a quick-release bottom, adjustable straps for easy carrying, and a removable liner. Perfect for serious gardening and foraging missions. In slate or khaki. $80. BespokePost.com
Dutch-made Sneeboer tools are a family affair—and garden royalty. Hand-forged in stainless steel since 1913, their flower bed trowel slices through soil like butter with its perfectly scooped blade. $64. Sneeboer.com or GardenToolCompany.com
Meet the STIHL GTA 26, a pint-sized powerhouse that makes pruning painless. This cordless mini chainsaw packs professional cutting power into a lightweight frame with a 4-inch blade for precision work. Thanks to ergonomic rubber grips, there’s no wrist strain. What takes minutes and more with loppers takes seconds with this pocket rocket. $199. STIHL.com
This healing hand balm made by Primitive House Farm in Saco, Maine, packs neem and manuka oils to fight bacteria, plus shea and coconut oils for deep moisture. Your garden-worn hands will thank you. $24. Cultiverre.com
For a heady dose of spring, peruse Peony’s Envy, the country’s premier peony nursery. There, owner and peony farmer Kathleen Gagan showcases hundreds of the blooming beauties, including rare and heirloom varieties. She ships in the spring, so make your wish list now. Inquire for pricing. PeonysEnvy.com
This article originally appeared in the April 2025 issue.
