Bulldog Ratchet Pruning Shears BD31303 – Product Review

20mm cutting diameter ratchet pruning shears

Review by Michael Smith

I have to say that this is the first of those kinds of pruning shears that I ever really have had an opportunity to use and review.

Other manufacturers and vendors for some reason have been more than reluctant, to say the least, to part with one of those for a proper and thorough product review and I leave the reader to draw his or her own conclusions as to the why and wherefore of this.

Bulldog's representatives on IOG Saltex 2008 were more than happy to supply me with one of those and so far I must say that I am quite impressed with this tool.

It took a little while for me to get the proper hang of it as to the best way of using it but once that had been mastered it is just a great piece of kit.

The maximum cutting size, in my opinion, should not be exceeded when cutting hardwoods, whether green or not, such as apply, plum, oak, etc. While it may work alright with slightly larger branch diameters, I must say that I would not recommend doing it.

Once the “trick” of properly using the ratchet is mastered this pair of pruners cuts through quite thick branches without any real effort. Small pruning is best done with the topmost tip of the pruners as it is then just the single snip. This is very good for dead heading of roses and also general small pruning rather than using the cutting jaws further down that then still employs the ratchet, making the cutting process a little slower.

On larger material the ratchet makes cutting virtually effortless and I recently used it to cut back a Willow (Salix) and in this instance cutting material with diameters of 35mm and such without any problems. It must be considered thought that green willow is a rather soft wood.

I also used it to prune some apple trees and in that case I restricted myself to about the maximum given diameter for this pair of pruners and there as well very little effort and strength was needed for the cutting.

From what I have seen so far as to the performance and reliability I can, I think, very much recommend this model of Bulldog's pruners without any hesitation.

Once again another piece of kit that is of fine quality at a very reasonable price.

© M Smith (Veshengro), October 2008
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LONDON MULTI-TRADE SHOW PICKS UP THE PACE

With pick up coach routes agreed for British Hardware Federation (BHF) members, lunch/drinks vouchers for Home Hardware South West members, and the latest signings including Abus UK, Cathedral Products and Rothley, London’s Multi-Trade Show is picking up the pace getting ready for January 2009.

Plans for the 15th Show Conference are also firming up. It will run on the morning of Monday, 19 January in the Earls Court Conference Centre, alongside Earls Court 2. The first speaker to confirm is Richard Perks, director of retail research at Mintel, who will provide an overview of the sector for delegates. Brintex will announce further speakers shortly. The theme for the conference has been set as ‘DIY Retailing – What the future holds’.

“There is still plenty being done and details to clarify. Opportunities exist for exhibitors to enter products in our revamped New Product Piazza, as well as highlighting what exclusive deals they will be offering to visitors. TV shopping channel QVC has also asked to use the show this year to film new products and there are more partnerships to be finalised to ensure visitors literally get an easy ride to the show, but it’s coming together well,” commented show director James Murray.

He added, “Interest in exhibition space is growing steadily as companies recognise that without promoting their products their year could be even tougher – and we’re certainly ready and willing to help exhibitors shout about their new ideas and products!”

New exhibitors for Totally Tools include GT85 and Mewett Polyurethane who have rebooked from this year.

In Totally DIY new bookings include Laddermat, Rothley, Rug Doctor, Stadium Group, Urfic UK and William E. Selkin.

New show Totally Secure is shaping up with signings now including Abus UK and Cathedral Products.

Totally Tools, Totally DIY and Totally Secure will take place 18-20 January 2009 at Earls Court in London. For further details and a full list of current exhibitors please contact show organiser Brintex on 020 7973 6401.

Source: The Press Office Ltd.
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Bulldog Mini Bypass Pruning Shears BD3150 – Product Review

Review by Michael Smith

The Bulldog BD3150 mini bypass pruning shears are a very nice and handy little pair of pruners for the cutting back of live or 'green' foliage and also capable of basically all small pruning tasks. In my opinion those pruners are also great for children who wish to help in the garden. Yes, I do know that they are cutting tools and sharp but they will never learn how to do things if they are not permitted to learn when young.

The cutting capacity is 6mm which is just under 1/2 inch in old money. However, it is probably possible to cut a little thicker pieces like that. It all depends on what material they are. While I would not suggest to cut a 3/4 inch apple twig or one of other hard wood with this pair of pruning shears it it, however, possible to cut bramble runners of that size and even bigger, especially if they are “green”.

While an ideal little pair of pruning shears for the home and also the allotment gardener they are also suitable for the professional when about generally in case there is something to be that needs dead heading, whether roses or flowering plants in general. In addition it is also an ideal small pair of secateurs for the Park and Countryside Ranger on patrol should the need arise to cut some bramble runners or such clear from a path to protect the public from injury. It is the small size here that comes in at the forefront, allowing it to just be slipped into a pocket or a notebook belt pouch or such.

Those mini bypass pruners are also brilliant for harvesting produce in your veggie garden or plot, whether those be beans or other vegetables, and do a much better job than garden scissors, for instance.

The grip is a soft elastomer kind of material than makes using them a pleasure.

Priced at an RRP of £8.44 they hardly break the bank and as with all Bulldog tools we are talking quality at an affordable price. I know that you can get secateurs for less than £3 or even for as low as 99pence but what are you getting there?

The only one thing that I am not too sure about, I must say, as to reliability and durability, is the yellow – in the case of the green handles version of the BD3150 mini bypass pruning shears that I was given for review – plastic sliding lock. I would have rather seen something like the lock on the BD3152 bypass pruning shears. In use I find that at times that lock slides forward and, in fact, locks the shears. This is, though, not the only kind of lock on secateurs that I have a problem with. The old style, as on the afore mentioned BD3152 – the clasp on the bottom of the handles – still takes a lot of beating. The spring too, maybe, just maybe, could do with, in my opinion, being just a little bit stronger.

However, this small pair of mini pruners is something that many people will have been waiting for, and also those gardeners that want to be able to allow their youngsters a go in the garden with dead heading and such but the secateurs on the market in general are too large to really be able to do that. These mini pruning shears will, certainly, bridge that gap.

© M Smith (Veshengro), September 2008
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LONDON MULTI-TRADE SHOW GETS FULL INDUSTRY SUPPORT

The industry’s leading trade associations and wholesale groups have renewed their support and participation in the London multi-trade show that now consists of Totally Tools, Totally DIY and the recently launched Totally Secure.

The changes proposed for the 2009 shows by organiser Brintex have won the approval of long-term show supporters, the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA), Decco, the Federation of British Hand Tool Manufacturers, the Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA), Home Hardware Southwest, MICA Hardware and Toolbank who have all confirmed they will be exhibiting next January. In addition, the British Hardware Federation (BHF), which has had its own stand at the show for the past two years, has confirmed it will be back in 2009.

This year, many members and customers of the various organisations will be offered assistance with travel and refreshment costs, to help promote a visit to the show in January.
This activity, alongside a revamped floor plan which puts new products literally centre stage, the provision of free personalised invitation tickets for exhibitors to use, and a fresh approach to the idea of staging a ‘multi-trade’ show, with the introduction of Totally Secure has met with approval.

Paul Woolley, commercial director of the BHF Group, said, “With over 2,000 hardware members we see the show as a great opportunity to meet up with existing members and recruit for new ones! We’ll be offering new members a 25% discount on membership fees if they sign up at the show.

“In addition, our team from BHF Direct will be on the look out for new lines and products to offer our members – the show provides us with a great opportunity to get direct feedback on new products and our own services. We can cover a lot of ground in three days at the show!”
Simon Bicknell, sales director of Toolbank, whose support was important to the successful launch of Totally Tools four years ago, commented:

“Totally Tools continues to be an important part of our marketing programme and we welcome the initiatives being made by Brintex to add energy and impetus to the show.
“The show is a great platform to update customers on our latest initiatives and plans. We look forward to meeting potential new accounts, and spending time with many existing customers and are pleased to confirm Toolbank's participation in Totally Tools 2009.”

New exhibitors to sign up for the 2009 to date include Aisin Europe, AP Lifting Gear, GT 85, Isotronic Mezger, RKW Leisure, RCD and Tarax Technology. In addition, Brother UK, Saint Gobain Abrasives and Spectra Tool Company are returning to the show after a break last year and DK Tools and Tool Connection are both back at the show having doubled the size of their stands.

“More than ever, retail buyers have to be proactive in their search to find new products to sell on to their customers. Our multi-trade show will be a great sourcing platform for buyers – and should help to stimulate interest and retail sales, which the whole market needs,” said show director James Murray. “Now is the time to proactively sell and to get out and see what companies have to offer!”

This year, to mark the show’s 15th year, a high-level industry conference, addressing the key issues of DIY and home retailing, will take place on the morning of Monday, 19 January. Details of the conference theme and speakers are to be announced shortly.

Current exhibitors for Totally Tools include Abingdon King Dick, Arrow Fastener, Evolution Power Tools, Exakt Precision Tools, KS Tools KWB Tools / Ringwood Agencies, Ledco, Monument Tools, Nilfisk Alto, Northern Wholesale, Rolson Tools, SMC and Valley Industries.

In Totally DIY confirmed exhibitors include Agralan, Bulk Hardware, Centurion Europe, Coo-Var, Crown Paints, Draper Tools, Euro Showers, Everbuild Building Products, Fair & Square, Feed ‘n’ Leave, Gorilla Glue, Group 55, IBP Conex, Initial Monogram, King Cole, Liberon, London & Lancashire Rubber, Mueller Primaflow, Oracstar, Polyvine, Procter Brothers, RB UK, Route 1 Group, Sealey Power Products, STV International, Sycamore UK, Tembe DIY, Tor Coatings, Trollul and Unger Germany.

New show Totally Secure has attracted bookings from Yale Security Products, part of the Assa Abloy Group, Borg Locks, Codringtons, Davenport Burgess, Guardian Lock & Engineering, Henry Squire & Sons, Keyprint, M.A.C Solutions, Master Lock, Sentry Safes, Sterling Locks and Total Product Sales, with more names waiting to be confirmed.

Totally Tools, Totally DIY and Totally Secure will take place 18-20 January 2009 at Earls Court in London. For further details and a full list of current exhibitors please contact show organiser Brintex on 020 7973 6401.

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Plant Minder - Product Review

by Michael Smith (Veshengro)

Clay Pot Irrigation, also known as olla irrigation, is used in many regions of the world including Asia and Latin America, and only more recently in the US in places like New Mexico.

Clay pot irrigation is an effective and low cost and minimum effort method of watering plants, whether in containers of in beds, and the technique is simple as well.

In principle all you do is to take an unglazed clay vessel and bury it in the ground up to the rim. Pour water into the pot and let osmosis do its thing. OK, maybe it is not that simple, but that is how it, basically, works.

There are a few factors to take into account such as the porosity of the clay pot or olla and the surrounding soil as well. The porosity of the vessel depends on the type of clay used, but unless you specifically purchase an olla or make your own clay pots, this factor might be out of your hands. In other words, it may probably not be advisable to use any old unglazed clay pot. In addition, the soil should ideally be well drained. Add compost or organic matter, or sand if needed. Ensure that it is enough to allow water to percolate from the clay pot to the soil and then to the plant root zones.

If you are planning on irrigating a vegetable garden, place each clay pot or olla about 3 feet apart and plant your crops around each olla. Fill the olla with water every week or so, depending on rainfall.

With the Plant Minder from Feed N Leave Ltd. in the UK, on the other hand, you don't have to worry as to whether you top up the container often enough. Checking whether there is still water in the green (blue in the diagram) “bubble” will do the trick.

Plant Minder is the modern way of clay pot irrigation and the principle is the same but it takes it a little bit further in that you fill a green plastic “bubble” - for lack of a better word - with water, turn it upside down into the clay “pot” rather than just fill up the pot with water. This prevents evaporation and also any debris falling into the pot and the water in it. Works brilliant.

A variety of different porosities are available, including for those kind of plants that are rather thirsty, such as tomatoes.

Plant Minder are entirely UK made with the clay pots made in the old pottery areas of Staffordshire.

I have a review sample of the Plant Minder installed in a pot with a newly planted lemon balm plant and I have got it in the pot for the last month or so and, while the plant is growing extremely well, the water i still half full in the green “bubble” which means that very little water, has so far been used from the clay pot. This may also be due to the fact that we have a rather wet summer this year – yet again, much like last year – but the pot does not really get that much rain water.

All I can say is that this system is a real great idea and invention and I can but recommend it to anyone, especially those of us who garden in containers, whether fruit and vegetables or just flowers.

Depending on condition and such it is reckoned that Plant Minder only will need refilling once every six weeks. That does not mean that you do not have to check on it as to whether it may need filling. As long, however, there is water showing in the green plastic globe then you still have more that enough water in the clay pot to water the plant or plants.

Plant Minder is available from PlantMinder.com in the UK and from a variety of garden centers and other such outlets.

© M Smith (Veshengro), August 2008
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Legal & General offers Brits ten top security and safety tips in support of National Home Security Week

Legal & General is encouraging Brits, in support of this year’s National Home Security Week, which runs from 23rd to 29th August 2008, to ensure they check their home security and safety. This would appear to be particularly important as a previous Legal & General online survey, ‘Safe as Houses', revealed that although we’re very good at putting home security features in place we’re not so good at checking that they are still working.

Research highlighted that although more than eight in ten, 84%, have smoke alarms in their homes and that almost one in three, 30%, have installed a security alarm, worryingly over 50% admitted that they have never checked their security alarm.

Elaine Parkes, Head of technical services, at Legal & General’s general insurance business commented: “Our research showed that while many Brits have installed security and safety devices to protect their homes, many are not as vigilant as they should be in carrying out regular checks that they actually work.

So, to help prompt people to carry out these important checks we have prepared the following security tips to hopefully encourage more people to make a conscious effort to ensure their homes are safe and secure.

Top ten home security and safety tips

• Check your burglar alarm works or consider installing one if you don’t have one already. These should be regularly checked in accordance with the installer’s or manufacturer’s recommendations, which normally suggest annually.
• At least every month check that smoke alarms are clear of any dust and that the batteries are working.
• Check locks fitted to all accessible windows are in working order, particularly those that may not have been opened for a while.
• Make sure your shed and any other outbuildings are secure. This may mean replacing any locks that have rusted and repairing or replacing any rotten or damaged window frames.
• Check trees and shrubs for storm and wind damage so they are not likely to fall on the house and cause any damage.
• Clean out your kitchen oven extractor hood to remove any oil build up to reduce the risk of fire.
• Clean tumble dryer filters and exhaust duct and the area under the dryer to reduce risk of fire and flood.
• Check the roof for any missing tiles or cracks in roofing felt and that the guttering and* drains are undamaged and clear of any debris.
• Check brickwork for any cracks.
• Check gutters for any debris collections or animal or wasp nests.
  

Legal & General has also prepared a special guide, Safeguarding Your Home which outlines in more detail how people may protect and safeguard their home and possessions. The guide is available to download at www.legalandgeneral.com/safeguard

More details on the National Home Security Week are available at http://www.homesecurityweek.co.uk

Source: FD Consumer Dynamics
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COMPETITION COMMISSION’S FINAL REPORT ‘NOT ENOUGH’ SAYS BHETA

The creation of a new strengthened and extended Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) and a recommendation by the Competition Commission (CC), in its final report into UK groceries retailing, to establish an independent Ombudsman to oversee and enforce the code ‘will do little to assist or protect the non-food manufacturers who supply UK grocery retailers in ever increasing numbers’.

This is the view of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA), as voiced by its chief executive officer David French, whose members supply a wide range of housewares, brush and DIY products to UK grocery retailers.

“As the grocery retailers increase their non-food offer, our members face exactly the same concerns as those food suppliers this report seeks to assist and protect, but the CC has not widened its brief to include non-food suppliers in its recommendations, which is very short-sighted,” David commented.

“If the terms of reference for both these recommendations were to be extended to cover all types of suppliers to grocery retailers, then we would actively support them in line with our policy of encouraging members to follow business best practice and agree mutually equitable trading terms with retailers which afford consumers the best possible quality/price ratio on the ranges of products they supply.

“However, as they stand these recommendations specifically exclude suppliers of: ‘food and alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks sold for consumption in the store where it is purchased, petrol, clothing, DIY products, financial services, pharmaceuticals, newspapers, magazines, greetings cards, compact discs, video and audio tapes, toys, plants, flowers, perfumes, cosmetics, electrical appliances, kitchen hardware, gardening equipment, books, tobacco and tobacco products’. Given the supermarkets growing presence in all these product sectors, to continue these exclusions, is clearly not in the suppliers or consumers best interests, and will only create a two tier system which will add unnecessary complexity and cost.”

BHETA will therefore continue to lobby the CC to widen its brief to include non-food suppliers within its recommendations.

Bahco PX & PXR ergonomic pruners – Product Review

The ergonomic pruner improves your Comfort Safety Health Efficiency

All pruning professionals are at risk of developing aches and pains through repeating the same motion thousands of times a day during the whole pruning season. Those pains, commonly called Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD), account for a large part of work related illnesses in the horticultural industry.

The design of the ergonomic pruners results from five years of scientific research and user testing all over the world.

The benefits of this new design can be felt in two major advantages: less fatigue at the end of the day and a less painful, longer and more productive working life.

The main features of the ergonomic pruners are:

Vertical and lateral inclinations that help the user to keep arm and hand straight in line. Those angles then avoid pains on tendons and nerves while cutting thus reducing tennis elbow type pain – Epicondilytis – and wrist pains – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The flowing shape of the handles has emerged from serious study of how pruners are used. They spread the load more evenly and concentrate pressure points away from sensitive zones and nerve centers.

The elastomer coating on the upper handle gives a better grip and spreads the pressure over a larger surface. The user also requires less effort to hold the tool all day long.

Different sizes and types of cutting heads are available as are different strengths of springs. In addition to this a hand measuring system and different size handles allow for a nigh on made-to-measure pair of pruners.

At the recent Garden Press Event 2008 at the RHS Halls in Westminster on January 29, I was given a sample of the Bahco PX-M2 version of those ergonomic pruners by Richard Hayter, the representative on the Bahco stand.

I have tried so-called ergonomic pruners before from different makers but found most of them not very good and even more difficult and tiresome to use then the straight-forward versions so I probably was a little apprehensive at first with this one, and must have appeared somewhat like that to Richard Hayter as well, but...

Well, this is one of the best pairs of pruners that I have handled in years, and I do mean THE BEST, and as a professional I tend to handle quite a variety of different makes.

For the test I have used the pruners for a number of days and must say that I cut branches well above the cutting limit, e.g. green Elm of around on inch in diameter (25mm plus) and it cut that without much of an effort in strength applied and half an inch or below, around the 10mm mark, one does not even notice that one is doing it. I must remember to keep my little finger well clear of the blades here.

The handles fit so well that the pruners become an extension of the user's hand and the work is done rather effortless. That is, however, not surprising seeing that one is measured to the pruners. Cutting is, as said, absolutely effortless and one hardly notices that one is doing it.

This is the first pair of bypass pruners, methinks, which would make pruning roses, shrubs, trees or vines fun rather than a chore.

A definite recommend I can but put to this tool. A definite must for the professional gardener, forester and vintner.

The retail price is not low, that is for sure, with nigh on the, so I understand, 50 GBP mark, but then one gets a tools that is well designed and makes life and work easier and with a lifetime warranty one gets quality too.

Reviewed by Michael Smith (Veshengro), February 2008

Over 100,000 visitors flock to Grand Designs Live London

A new nine-day stint, an exciting TV event and hundreds of cutting-edge exhibitors draw in the crowds

www.granddesignslive.com

Over 102,000 visitors flocked to Grand Designs Live London (3-11 May 2008), the multi-award winning consumer exhibition for homes, gardens, design and innovation. In an unprecedented move, the event changed from its traditional three-day format, to run over nine days, including a bank holiday Monday.

Allied to the event was a major peak-time TV show for Channel 4 (Grand Designs Live and Grand Designs Today) was also broadcast in and around the exhibition - amassing 11 hours of live coverage from ExCeL London. This partnership led to a further strengthening of the Grand Designs brand and ensured that the exhibition and TV show gained mutually beneficial exposure.

Kevin McCloud, commented: "The show looked extraordinary. It's our fourth year and it's quantum leaps ahead of where we've been before. It was bigger and better, with more features, more interesting products and design. I really believe it's something else. Another planet. Planet Grand Designs!"

The multi award-winning exhibition remains the only contemporary design exhibition, offering visitors the chance to buy, build and furnish a house all under one roof. This year saw even more features, more celebrities, including: Kevin McCloud, Janet Street Porter, John Burton Race, David Bellamy, Melanie Sykes and Denise Van Outen, and more expert advice than ever before.

The event, which launched in 2005, has evolved into a spectacularly vibrant show and changed the face of the homes and interiors exhibition industry forever. Visitors were able to meet experts, gather ideas and purchase everything from door handles to houses.

Victoria Bolton from West Hampstead said: "This is a seriously impressive event, I've never been to such an exciting exhibition. I came away with millions of ideas and even had a chance to speak to a designer about my home project."

ExCeL London was transformed to make visitors feel a part of the whole Grand Designs experience the minute they arrived. Budding designers were encouraged to realise their dream projects with a wide array of stands to browse, show-stopping features.

Visitors packed themselves into the seminar theatre to hear talks from industry and celebrity speakers including, Kevin McCloud, Diarmuid Gavin and Jason Bradbury, who wowed audiences with their specialist knowledge, top tips and expert advice.

What's more, this year, the Royal Victoria Square outside ExCeL London was transformed into an interactive village of brand new dwellings. Grand Village comprised of five exceptional houses, including 'The House That Kevin Built' which was completed on Friday 9 May. Visitors were able to split their day between the vibrant halls of the exhibition and Grand Village to explore the showcased buildings which including, Eco Pod, No.1 Lower Carbon Drive, The Log House Company and the Clear Glass House.

Lee Newton, managing director of show organiser Media 10, said: "I'm immensely proud of Grand Designs Live London and know we have created an exhibition that inspires and excites visitors the minute they arrive. This year, we have seriously upped the ante, creating an exhibition that truly reflects the Grand Designs brand, attracting a fantastic spread of visitors."

We feel that the move from three to nine days has changed the face of the consumer events market - this success proves that with determination, vision and creativity events can develop and expand instead of consolidating. We feel that Media 10 has once again raised the bar in the events world and we will continue to improve this show year after year. Next year we are growing again - to 10 days - which shows that this venture superseded even our ambitions"

Village life on a grand scale at Grand Designs Live London 2008

Five zero carbon, energy efficient new builds at ExCeL London

www.granddesignslive.com
Ticket hotline: 0871 230 5577

This year, the Royal Victoria Square at ExCeL London will play house and home to a village of brand new dwellings. As part of Grand Designs Live London (3 – 11 May), Grand Village will comprise of exceptional houses situated just outside ExCeL London’s West entrance.

The showcased buildings include, Eco Pod, No. 1 Lower Carbon Drive, The Log House Company, The Clear Glass House and ‘The House That Kevin Built’. Never before have so many innovative building techniques been bought together in one place.

Eco Pod
Committed to producing a range of modern, comfortable eco homes, Eco Pod will be building environmentally friendly dome-shaped pods, which have an individual feel and achieve a zero-carbon rating with minimal impact on the environment. The ‘Pods’ utilise systems such as solar water heating, wind power, photovoltaic cells, superb insulation and hot air recovery, cutting energy requirements and heating costs by up to 90 per cent, producing virtually zero CO² emissions.

No. 1 Lower Carbon Drive
Part of the Green Homes service launched by The London Development Agency, No.1 Lower Carbon Drive is a life-size building, modelled after a typical, pre-war London terrace house. The exhibit illustrates ways in which Londoners can tackle climate change from their home and is divided into six different zones, focused on energy, ventilation, appliances, water, recycling and insulation. It demonstrates how certain products, technologies and habits can be adopted to reduce the average six tonnes of carbon dioxide a similar house emits in a year.

The Log House Company Ltd
A more traditional, but equally sustainable building, is the log house from The Log House Company Ltd, which uses Douglas fir trees from managed woodland in Suffolk. Manufactured by the first company in the UK to comply with new building regulations for residential buildings, the log house is both pleasing to the eye and the environment. The bespoke Grand Design will be built by The Log House Company Ltd, with VELUX being fundamentally involved in the design.

Clear Glass House
Clear Glass Structures has developed a sustainable, ready-to-go ‘GlassPod’. The structurally double-glazed panels can be assembled without the need for planning permission, making it a suitable modern garden office or summerhouse. The Glass House comes in three sizes with a self-levelling base and living roof.

The House That Kevin Built
After six series of watching other people cope with the stresses and strains of self-build projects, Kevin McCloud is finally rolling up his sleeves and building a house at Grand Designs Live London in just six days. The House That Kevin Built is an exciting home that has been designed by RIBA award-winning architect Duncan Baker Brown.

Every day, Kevin will invite one of his famous friends - to be revealed on the day - to lend a helping hand.

Once they’ve explored GRANDVillage, visitors will have plenty of time to pick up some fresh ideas and inspiration before hitting GRANDBuild, GRANDInteriors, GRANDKitchen, GRANDBathroom and GRANDGarden inside ExCeL London.

Grand Designs Live London 2008

The UK’s number one consumer show returns for exciting new nine-day stint

www.granddesignslive.com

Ticket hotline: 0871 230 5577

Grand Designs Live London returns to ExCeL London for a fourth year and promises to be bigger and better than ever. In a move from its traditional three-day format, the 2008 exhibition will be held over nine days from 3-11th May. A major peak-time TV show for Channel 4 will also be broadcast from in and around the event.

The multi award-winning show remains the only contemporary design exhibition, offering visitors the chance to buy, build and furnish a house all under one roof. This year sees even more features, celebrities and expert advice than ever before.

Based on Channel 4’s hugely successful Grand Designs series, presented by design guru Kevin McCloud, the live exhibition has gone from strength to strength since launching in 2005. Bringing together over 500 exhibitors, one ticket will provide visitors with access to six inspiring shows:

GRANDInteriors: The most contemporary interior designs from the world of furnishing and decoration including technologies that have never been seen before in the UK.


GRANDBuild sponsored by Velux: The biggest and most comprehensive self-build show in the UK. GRANDBuild helps guide visitors through every step of the build process, from sourcing land and planning, to construction and fittings. The show includes all the latest products and essential advice for those hoping to get their self-build off the ground.


GRANDGardens: All a green-fingered enthusiast should want to make their garden come alive. Expert advice on everything from garden re-design to timber decking and planting schemes as well as all the products needed to make a dream garden into a reality.


GRANDKitchens: Showcasing the newest, most advanced and stylish kitchens from a host of top manufacturers. Expert tips and demonstrations of the latest high tech gadgets and appliances.


GRANDBathrooms sponsored by Bathstore: Encompassing more bathrooms than any other show GRANDBathrooms incorporates cutting-edge design with the hottest new technology including energy-saving sustainable bathrooms.


GRANDVillage: Based outside the west entrance of ExCeL, the Village is one of the most visually impressive features at the show, containing houses from around the world set in its own landscaped garden.

Other features include an awe-inspiring Architectural Salvage exhibit and a mind-boggling House of the Future. For the ecologically pro-active visitors there will be cutting-edge green design, practical advice and inspiring seminars.

The Information Hub will provide visitors with a one-stop-shop for all queries from architecture and building regulations to planning and garden design. A qualified team of specialists will be on hand to offer advice and counsel.

Free seminars will take place at the Grand Designs Seminar Theatre, sponsored by the Electrical Safety Council, with lectures and discussions to inspire budding designers and covering topics such as planning, design, ecology and finance. The schedule covers the six key elements of the show and includes an exciting line up of TV stars, industry experts and Grand Designers from the TV programme.

Grand Designs presenter, Kevin McCloud, commented: “This year Grand Designs Live London is about more. More features, more seminars, more eco solutions, more new ideas. And in 2008 the Grand Design Awards also get a big shot-in-the arm as Channel 4 features the Grand Designs Home of the Year.”


Lee Newton, managing director of Media 10, commented: “Extending the show to nine days is an incredible development as not only will exhibitors achieve more from the longer run but it gives us more scope to build even greater features areas. We are incredibly proud to be opening our doors to Grand Designs Live the television programme.”


FremantleMedia Enterprises Senior Vice President Licensing UK, Dominic Burns, said: "The Exhibition has become a very successful extension of one of our longest running and most loved TV brands. Having won multiple awards in its opening year, it has quickly become the best property exhibition of its type in the UK. We are hugely excited about the exhibition's extended stay at ExCeL in May and the opportunity to welcome even more visitors. "

Natural fertilizers

All of us that garden know the benefit of fertilizer in building up the soil. Without it, our gardens would be pathetic.

There are many types of fertilizers, organic and chemical. It has been proven over and over that organic types are by far the best. Manures, compost, seaweed, and others.

Some, such as seaweed can be expensive. Anything that has to be trucked for any distance is going to be very costly from now on. Probably unaffordable for most of us.

Now, animal manures are probably the best all around fertilizers. But they're not easy to get if you're not close to a source such as a farm or stable.

Besides, your neighbors may have something to say about the odour. You could lose some friends too.

Using chemicals, for most of us, is just not in the best interests of the garden, and ultimately us. Is there a way that we can safely put fertilizer on our gardens and ruin our bank account, or poison us? Yep! You bet!

On any bag of fertilizer you will three sets of numbers designating the percentage of the three most needed ingredients. They list the amount of nitrogen(N), potash(P), and phosphorus(K). If you can put those three on your garden you should have decent crop.

Chemical types most generally have only those three, nothing else. But what if you could put those on but have some trace elements too? Yet not be afraid of burning the soil, harming the earthworms, or wear protective clothing that makes you look like an alien?

Well, you can! Go to a farm store and buy a bag of dehydrated alfalfa, then go to a nursery (the farm store might have this also) and buy some bone meal. Then go to your wood-burning stove and clean out all the ashes. If you don't have a stove, go to one of your friends that does get haul his ashes away. If nothing else, burn some old tree branches to get ashes. Whatever! Get some wood ashes.

Now, the alfalfa will supply the N, the ashes will supply the P, the bone-meal will supply the K. Sprinkle this where you will plant, no need to put it over the whole garden, weeds love fertilizer too. Just sprinkle it on the part where the plants will be. Work it into soil good and sprinkle it lightly.

You may have to put more on than you think. It won't hurt to cover the ground good. You will not kill anything if you get a little too much on unlike chemical types. And it certainly won't kill your gardening partners, the earthworms.

Owen Newman

100 Years Daily Mail Ideal Home Show

by Michael Smith (Veshengro)

On Friday, March 14, 2008, the 100th Daily Mail Ideal Home Show opened its doors at Earls Court with a birthday fanfare.

The members of the press were then taken for a whistle stop tour around the show to the main attractions, ending up, finally, at the Eco House and the grand opening of it by David Bellamy.

The Eco House is indeed a most interesting concept and I shall, hopefully, cover it in more detail, in an article all on its own in the Green (Living) Review.

The first stop of the tour, though, was the Innovation Nation, and it must said that Britain always was one of the cradles of innovations, sometimes though our inventors and innovators go unnoticed, like it was the case with Trevor Baylis and the wind-up radio. While he got himself noticed no one wanted to know that radio, at the time, and now everyone wants to copy it in one way or another.

The next stop on the tour was “Century Street” and, without even having had the time to look at the exhibits inside the houses themselves, alone seeing the children's play and toys in the “play grounds” outside and having seen some of the exhibits in photos, one can but say that we have come a long way in those 100 years that the Ideal Home Show has been bringing the latest innovations for the home and garden, etc. to the consumer.

The Eco House, already mentioned, was the final stop of the press tour and it was this that obviously, amongst some other green and environmental living ideas, that caught my attention.

The Eco House, in my view, but then I am biased, is well worth a visit as well as the display of No1, Lower Carbon Drive. Anyone interested in ideas of how to reduce not just one's carbon footprint – and you know me and my view on the likelihood of climate change being man-made – but also one's general impact on the environment, which I entirely support, and also how one can reduce one's heating and other energy costs, would be well advised to pay a visit to No1, Lower Carbon Drive (use the front door though rather than the back door, as I did by accident – but hey, it was open) and have a word with the experts at hand. You will find this in the DIY and Home Improvement section of the show.

There is still enough time for everyone to visit the Ideal Home Show. It is on until April 6th, 2008 at Earls Court 1 & 2.

To book tickets or view a full list of exhibitors and attractions at the Daily Mail Ideal Home Show, visit www.idealhomeshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 415 4144.

© Michael Smith (Veshengro), March 2008

Bulldog Bypass Pruning Shears BD3152 – Product Review

Rollins Bulldog have been making quality tools for gardening and agriculture for well over 200 years by now and most of those tools are still forged at Bulldog's Clarington Forge in Wigan.

The pair of bypass pruning shears, that I have the pleasure in reviewing here, are from the Premier Range, and came to me via a press pack from the 2008 Garden Press Event that was held at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster at the end of January 2008, are no exception here. They are a quality tool at a very reasonable price. At around GBP 13 these quality pruners certainly are not expensive.

The blades are forget from high carbon SK-5 Japaneses steel and the handles are sold aluminium into which the blades are securely bolted. The handles have green “elastomer” grips, preventing the tool slipping out of your hands.

Locking together of the handles is achieved by an old method though with modern materials, that is to say that an ABS plastic hook acts as the lock at the bottom of the handles, locking the pruners safely and secure.

The spring is of the common “caterpillar” kind which is, unfortunately, often prone to jumping out and getting lost. This problem is overcome, as it would appear, on the BD3152 pruners in that the ends of the spring has been recessed rather deep into the handles and I should think that it is nigh on impossible for the spring to jump out on its own without help.

The BD3152 pruners appear very well made and well thought out, as are all Bulldog tools, and should give years of faithful service at a great value price. The length of service obviously depends greatly on how they are used or abused and treated or mistreated during and especially also after work. This often makes or breaks a tool.

Pros:
High carbon steel blades, forged
Bladed bolted into handles
Solid aluminium handles with rubberized grips
Safe and secure locking mechanism
Value for money price

Cons:
Still trying to find any.

The BD3152 Bypass Pruning Shears from Bulldog are equally well suited, in my opinion, for the professional gardener as well as the allotment gardener or the amateur at home.

© Michael Smith (Veshengro), March 2008

Suffolk Based Woodcarver Makes His Debut At The Country Living Magazine Spring Fair

One of the country’s foremost woodcarvers will make his debut at the Country Living Magazine Spring Fair. Paul Jewby, who is based in Suffolk and specialises in the restoration of 18th century English carved and gilded furniture and the carving of all forms of ornament, will demonstrate to visitors how to carve small, ornamental pieces to enhance any room. Paul is just one of five live craft demonstrators appearing at the five day event in Islington’s Business Design Centre from 12 – 16 March.

Paul Jewby, woodcarver, says, “I have been lucky enough to help restore some of the country's finest furniture, including a pair of tables designed by Robert Adam for the Earl of Coventry, made in 1767. I have also been involved in extensive restoration to a pair of Holbein tables, badly burnt in the fire at Windsor Castle and several pieces of furniture made by Thomas Chippendale. Of these the State Bed at Harewood House was the most prestigious project.”

“I hope that my demonstrations spark an interest in the Fair visitors and show them first hand the intricacies and time involved in such a skilled art form. Most people will never have the chance to see such a traditional skill being carried out so I look forward to the feedback. ”

Paul, who has been carving and carrying out furniture restorations for over 20 years using predominately Victorian tools, is also the recent recipient of The Country Living Magazine’s Balvenie Artisan Awards 2007. The award for best use of a traditional craft or skill recognises those with a traditional skill at the heart of their business and, crucially, rewards those passing on these skills to a new generation.

The Country Living Magazine Spring Fair is from 12 – 16 March 2008 at the Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1. For further information and to book tickets, call 08701 261800 or log onto www.countrylivingfair.com.

Greenfingers to get 100,000 children gardening – and raises £80,000

The Greenfingers Appeal is to repeat its hugely successful 'Schools Sunflower Challenge' in 2007, having broken all records last season by encouraging a stunning 100,000 children from 750 UK schools to grow sunflowers for themselves. The project also raised a tremendous £60,000 for UK Children's Hospice gardens and participating schools.

Sponsored by B&Q and with seeds donated by Thompson and Morgan, the Sunflower Challenge is a combined educational and fund-raising initiative that brings gardening into the classroom and the home.

Income from the scheme is split 50:50 between the schools and the Greenfingers Appeal. Last year the Appeal was able to direct some £30,000 towards the provision of new gardens in UK Children's hospices.

Endorsed by celebrity gardener Tommy Walsh the project, now in its fourth year, provides free sunflower seeds and a comprehensive teacher's pack showing how the 'Sunflower Challenge' complements the National Curriculum 'Life Processes and Living Things' section. Children grow the sunflowers at home or at school, observing and recording their progress and learning from the experience.

Hints and tips for growing the seeds successfully, a growth chart and sponsorship forms are included, and the children are encouraged to obtain sponsors from friends and families who pledge an amount for each centimetre of the sunflowers final height when measured at the end of the summer term.

Mrs C Hopgood, Deputy Headteacher, South Norwood Primary School, commented:

'This has been the most successful class fund-raising/sponsorship activity that the school has ever done. Just four classes of 4-6 year olds took part, with one six year old boy raising the sum of £161:00 himself and several others raising well above £40:00 apiece. The Sunflower Challenge fitted in perfectly and certainly caught the children's imagination as evidenced by the magnificent response.'

The Greenfingers Appeal is the charity of the gardening industry and is currently raising funds to build much-needed gardens at children's hospices. Last year the Appeal raised more than £160,000 for the provision of new and improved gardens. Twenty-four projects have so far been completed or are underway, out of the 42 Children's Hospices in the UK running or under construction.

The Garden Press Event 2008

On Tuesday, January 29, 2008 I had the great privilege and pleasure to attend the Garden Press Event 2008 at the RHS Lawrence Hall in Vincent Square, Westminster, London, and a most productive day was had, at least by this writer, and some new – new to me at least – products have been obtained for review, which shall be coming soon.

To begin with I would here like to express my sincere thanks to Neil Gow of GIMA for inviting me to this great event.

Then my thanks goes to Frank Foot of Rollins Bulldog Tools Ltd. who took the time to talk to me and to invite me to contact him for review samples, an invite that I may be able take up in the not too distant future. The press pack that I was given contained a very nice pair of bypass pruners of the Premier Range and for a recommended retail price of just over £12 this definitely is a real nice solid made tool. The head and blade is of high-carbon steel SK-5 and identified as Japanese steel, which, having dealt in knives before professionally, is a very good carbon steel, so it should withstand a great deal of use. The problem with most people is always abuse rather than the intended use that damages their tools and also the fact that they do not look after their tools. Carbon steel does want a little TLC after use, such as keeping the blades oiled and greased.

Special thanks must go to Richard Hayter of Bahco (SNA Europe) and Rachel Collinge, SNA Europe's PR agent, for for taking the time out for a rather lengthy chat and for providing me with two product samples for review; the reviews of which shall be forthcoming soon.

A fine number of gardening-related manufacturers, growers, seed companies, suppliers and vendors supported this event held in aid of the “Greenfingers Appeal”.

Ball Colegrave, the well-known seed and plant company, showcased their range of “Kinder Garden Plants”, the range that is intended to introduce children to the pleasures of gardening. Aside from flowers there is also a fruit and veg part to this range, which is very nice to see. This could be very useful in introducing children at a young age to the growing of produce for the table.

A couple of new and relatively new products could be seen, of which the “Waspinator” and the “Plant Minder” do stand out to a degree and above all what caught my attention was the “Patio Grow”, which could be described as “your allotment on your patio” or, if more than one unit be employed, “in your backyard”, by “Gro Garden Products".

One of the other products that caught my attention was the Greenhouse Sensation's “Grow Your Own Portable Garden”. This is a brilliant piece of kit and definitely something that many people who would like to grow some of their own greens and such in locations without green areas, and even in apartments, and such like, have been waiting for.

Other products on show included another number of innovative products. One was the new and revolutionary “Chambermate”, by Chambermate Ltd. The “Chambermate” is the solution to the age-old problem of how to cover, without asking for problems later, the unsightly manhole covers in gardens, diveways and borders. Another the Backsaver Digging from Backsaver Garden Tools Ltd. in Leeds. While this may just be seen as yet another automatic spade it would appear to be quite a little different in its action and speed. Well worth a look.

Some of the products that I have seen shall, hopefully, be featured in the pages of this journal in the near future, including a couple of product reviews, as already indicated.

© Michael Smith (Veshengro), Jan/Feb 2008

Tend to Your Garden in Winter

Although many of the perennials grown in the garden slumber through the winter months, the gardener is far from inactive.

In fact, winter in the garden can be as busy as any other season of the year.

Here are some essential gardening tasks that are recommend green fingers take care of when it gets frosty outside:

1./ Check in on your plants: Examine the greenhouse (or cold frame) regularly for any sign of pests or disease it could be harboring. Remove any dead flower heads, yellowing leaves, and other plant debris before mold starts to form, to cut the risk of infection.

Heavy snowfall can settle on conifers and evergreens with larger surface areas, causing the branches to buckle or break under all that heft. Knock the snow off to help reduce damage, because a torn branch leaves an open wound for infections in spring.

2./ Protect them from the cold: Insulate your greenhouse and cold frame with bubble wrap or similar insulation, because reducing drafts saves on heat loss and plant casualties.
Outdoor evergreens, container plants, tall plants, and plants introduced since the previous winter will need protection if the weather takes a nasty turn. (They can be severely damaged by wind, which can loosen roots.) Consider planting a windbreak or shelter to reduce the airflow.

Another problem caused by the wind is foliage drying out, which happens when freezing gusts draw moisture from leaves faster than it can be replaced. Erect a screen of woven plastic mesh or horticultural fleece on the windward side of vulnerable plants to reduce the wind's effects and protect the leaves. During heavy frosts, some plants may even benefit from being bundled up in protective fleece, which absorbs some of cold.

3./ Prepare the soil: Because winter frost can break down sticky clay soil better than any cultivation tool, it can be an ally when it comes to preparing heavy soils. This is the time to incorporate compost or other organic conditioners that will improve soil structure and boost plant growth.

4./ Deal with construction and landscaping jobs: Because sections of the garden will be bare, it's easier to see the garden layout and make changes for the coming spring. If the soil isn't too wet to be structurally damaged by foot traffic and wheelbarrows, you can take the opportunity to install or improve drainage systems.

5./ Handle repairs and maintenance, and that includes repairing handles: Consider the lack of vegetation a bonus, because this is an ideal time to drain and clean pools and ponds, as well as repair pond sides, walls, and liners. Or use this time to re-level, change the shape, increase the shape and size of borders, and reseed areas where growth is sparse. However, no work should be carried out if the grass is frozen, because footprints made on frozen grass can cause it to turn brown.

Repair, sharpen, clean, service, and otherwise maintain tools that are used in your garden, whether the lawnmower, the strimmer, bill hooks, secateurs, etc. A well-maintained tool or piece of machinery will give you good service for many, many years and will make life and work easier.

Michael Smith (Veshengro), January 2008

Gorilla Tubs – Product Review

Is there really anyone out there who does not know the Gorilla Tubs by Faulks & Co. at Barwell, Leicestershire? If so, then let me tell you a little about those tubs and their uses.

Tubtrugs are the slightly more “domestic” relations of the Gorilla Tubs. The latter are intended for the more industrial use and are equally at home with the professional gardener as a “basket” in which to deposit weeds from weeding flowerbeds or Rose cuttings or what-have-you, as they are on a building site for mixing cement or plaster or for removing rubble from confined spaces. Anything you can do with a bucket you can do with a Tubtrug and a Gorilla Tub.

In our time now where we all need to think “green” and recycled Faulks & Co have been leading the way for years with the timeless range of recycled tyre rubber products, and the rage of those is just way too large to list here. You can see them at http://www.tyrerubber.com.

With all the ranges of tubs from Faulks & Co. anyone will be able to find one that is just right for his or her job.

The ordinary gardener at home or the allotment will be served well enough with just the standard flexible Tubtrugs, and it has many more uses around the home too, while the professional gardener, whether landscape or parks, would be better served, no doubt, with either the various sizes of the Gorilla Tubs ot by the “baskets” of the “Tyre Rubber” range of recycled products.

For further information see the websites at:

Tubtrugs

Gorilla Tubs

Recycled Tyre Rubber Products

© Michael Smith (Veshengro), January 2008

Pest Stop Mouse Traps – Product Review

There can hardly be much new as regards to mouse traps, many a reader, I am certain, is probably thinking now. But, well, there can be.

Pest Stop presented new mouse traps at the DIY & Garden/Totally Tools Show at Earls Court during 13-15 January 2008

I must say I actually must have missed seeing the stand when I was at the show but the kindly provided press goody bag in the Press Office gave me enough samples to test.

The first one we shall be looking at is the Sure-Set Plastic Mouse Trap.



This brand-new mousetrap is simple to set and use; once baited, simply click the lever down to set. The mouse has to tread on a platform to reach the bait-well, which triggers the trap, meaning that the mouse cannot take the bait without triggering the trap. It is simple to set and empty. There is no need to touch dead mice and the plastic construction makes for easy cleaning. They are sold as a twin-pack, as it is advised to set more than one trap in an infested area to increase catch-rate and they are quick and humane.

The second one in the pack was the Pre-baited Snap Trap Mousetrap.



This plastic mousetrap is pre-baited with a mixture most mice find irresistible, and is extremely safe and easy to set. It is pre-baited with a mixture of peanut oil and molasses, extremely attractive to mice. The Snap Trap sets with a simple click, and can even be set using just one hand even. There is no need to touch dead mice; simply release by pressing down on the tab - the trap will then be ready for re-use

This trap is absolutely, in my view, ingenious, as it is, basically, out of the box, so to speak, ready to roll and catch mice, as it is pre-baited.

The only question that might come to mind is their environmental impact as they are plastic and a lot more sophisticated than the humble simple little “Little Nipper” traps which have a wooden base and a wire mechanism.

NB: Mice carry a variety of diseases, and should never be handled without protection.

In addition to this if you are dealing with dead rats then it is an absolute must to wear disposable gloves (and they MUST be disposed after) and ideally also a face mask.

© Michael Smith (Veshengro), January 2008

Cable Buddi – Product Review

Cable Buddi is a unique safety cable clip on device from the Stadium Group plc.

We all know the trouble with the trailing cables of electric lawn mowers, hedge cutters, and other such tools. How easy it is to cut through through the power lead we also, I am sure, have found out to our peril. Now Cable Buddi can eliminate all those problems to a great degree; operator error excluded.

Cable Buddi is ideal for all kinds of electrical tools, whether lawn mowers, hedge cutters, strimmers, rotavators, garden vacs, chain saws, woodworking tools, drills, and much more.

Cable Buddi helps reduce the risk of cutting through electrical cables and reduces the risk of tripping over same. Both rather a health and safety issue.

Cable Buddi allows the equipment to be used with two fully operational hands, thereby reducing the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) and increasing efficiency.

Cable Buddi allows full concentration on the job in hand without the need to worry about the cable, as the cable is safely towed by the side of the user.

At a retail price of GBP 1.99 is it well worth getting a couple of them for sure.

Cable Buddi should be available from most Hardware Stores or Tool Shops and large DIY outlets, I should think, like Homebase and B&Q. If not ask the store to get Cable Buddi for you.

Cable Buddi is brought to you by:

Stadium Group plc
Jubilee Avenue
Highams Park
Chingford
London E4 9UD
Tel: 020-8531-6767
www.stadium-ventilation.co.uk

Safe Can - Product Review

Store your valuables where thieves won't find them.

SafeCan is a ground-breaking product which makes it easy for people to hide their valuables in ‘dummies’ of everyday objects, like cans of beans or books. Branded products from household names, like Heinz or Collins Dictionaries, mean the dummy containers can be concealed with other household objects for maximum safety. The brands are fully licensed from their parent companies, so they look exactly the same! In other words, a very subtle low cost safe.

SafeCan is a exciting product that could help people protect their property, whether in their homes, their garage, in a caravan or a boat.

Recognised by Police Forces, Neighbourhood Watch Groups and Insurance Companies Worldwide as an excellent deterrent to theft. The SafeCan is the ideal place to hide money and jewellery.

Upon attending DIY & Garden and Totally Tools every visitor, including us media guys, were handed a goody bag at the door sponsored by Henkel which had a Can Safe in the form of a spray can of a Henkel product in it.

This is, I most say, the first time that I had a chance to get a closer look at one of those little low cost safe solutions and I can only say, “ingenious”.

More information on SafeCan, now part of the Sterling range of security solutions, can be found at www.sterlinglocks.com.