Attending the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show is always fun
because you never know what type of garden product or plant you’re
going to find at the fourth largest garden show in the country.
Attending the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show is always fun because you never know what type of garden product or plant you’re going to find at the fourth largest garden show in the country. The 22nd annual version held last month at the Cow Palace, though, was even better than usual. There were 23 show gardens, a huge plant sale, orchid show, bonsai exhibit, free garden seminars and 360-exhibit booths.
The latter was especially impressive this year. Around almost every corner I ran into a garden product that was interesting, unique and one that I wanted. Would you believe there’s a unique and fun way to water your garden? That’s what you’ll get with the Noodlehead, a flexible lawn and garden sprinkler. Like its name, the Noodlehead features numerous rubber-like tubes that you simply bend in the direction you want the water to go. Water is distributed up to 20 feet away, precisely where you want it. The Noodlehead was voted the best new product at the International Hardware Show out of 700 products. Cost is $17 and you can see more about the Noodlehead or order it online at: www.noodleheadsprinkler.com.
The Bug Blaster is another ingenious product that naturally blasts away aphids, whiteflies and more from your plants. It has been known for years that plain water, if directed hard enough and in the right spots, can wash away garden pests without the need of chemical insecticides. The Bug Blaster is a 30-inch water wand with a nozzle that sprays water in a complete circle at a strong enough stream to knock these critters off plants without damaging the plants. Cost is $25. If you already have a water wand, you can buy just the nozzle head for $10. For information or ordering, go to www.thebugblaster.com.
Anyone who has struggled trying to lift and move a large, heavy, planted pot, would appreciate the Potlifter. It features adjustable handles and straps that fit around large pots. Once the potlifter is in place, two people can grab hold of the handles and move the heavy pot without breaking their backs. Cost is $27 and can be ordered at www.potlifter.com.
The garden tool caddy is a plastic work station that hooks onto the edge of garbage cans or wheelbarrows. It will hold everything from garden tools to a water bottle and cell phone. No need to bend down or reach for that tool because it’s within easy reach with the garden tool caddy. Cost is $20 at www.gardentoolcaddy.com.
And if you’ve ever wanted your own gong, there’s a Santa Cruz company that sells brass gongs, African drums and wooden percussion instruments. Who doesn’t need a decorative brass gong in their garden? Twelve-inch gongs run $72 and prices go all the way to $2,100 for a 40-inch monster gong. All come with their own stand. Check out www.rhythmfusion.com.
The show gardens were impressive and I came home with everything from a climbing hydrangea to a Harry Lander’s Walking Stick plant (Corylus avellana ‘Walking Stick’). I even bought colorful peacock feathers for $15 per bunch.
