I know – a ‘lady’s spade’ conjures images of Larua Ashley gowned delicate types, floating among the flowers with a wide cane basket full of fresh cut roses. Much too girlie for a big strong type like me! When I finally had my own established garden to dig in, I discovered that wielding a full-sized spade among these closely spaced shrubs and perennials was a bit on the destructive side. Transplanting was particularly difficult and you know how dissatisfied designers get with the positions of plants in their own gardens. Spotted at an AGHS Conference a couple of years back, the DIGADOO SPADE entered my life. With a blade just 15cm wide and standing just over one metre tall, it was perfect for getting in among all those small plants. Don’t think it’s a sissy though – it’s helped build a retaining wall and lever rocks around. After 3 years the stainless steel head is still rust-free after days out in the rain (accidentally of course) and the timber handle is strong and splinter-free. |