After a gloriously long summer (we had our longest dry spell in over a hundred years), autumn has finally arrived in Vancouver. While most of the active planting and harvesting is over til spring (garlic and favas excepted), there’s still lots to be done in the garden.
We recently moved from our townhouse into a house (yay!), and our new street is lined with gorgeous old oak trees (double yay!). For the first time in my adult life, I’ve got leaves to rake (not sure whether I’m yay or nay about that task yet. It’s still new. Although I do know it means no more collecting bags of leaves from the neighbours for the compost!). Which means I need a rake.
Enter the Enviro leaf rake from Garant. Made with 25 percent recycled plastic and a handle made from Forest Stewardship Council-certified, sustainably-harvested wood, Garant claims a 14 percent reduction in manufacturing-related greenhouse gas emissions on this rake, shown above, compared to similar products made with virgin materials. This is a basic lightweight, flexible rake with a comfortable grip. It does the job nicely. No frills, but just enough thrill.
With all the renovations we’re doing (draintile, anyone?) I’ve also found the Garant Enviro square point shovel, shown above, helpful for moving quantities of sand and gravel. The shovel features the same handle design as does the Enviro rake, as well as a 20 percent recycled steel blade.
Another Garant product I’m enjoying is the Tubby, a flexible, lightweight tub that has seemingly endless uses. I use it as my weeding bucket, for holding grass clippings and leaves, and as a catchall for cleaning up the kidlet’s outdoor toys. It comes in 26L and 40L sizes and a ton of bright, fun colours. I could also see this used as the basket in a garden-themed gift basket, in kids’ rooms, or filled with ice and beers at a summer barbecue.
Garant products are affordably priced (under $20) and made in Canada to boot.
Full disclosure: Garant provided me with samples of the above products for review purposes. I was not financially compensated for this post. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience with these products.
Nat says
Nice products! Thou this Enviro Line would be so much more enviro friendly if it was made out of hemp material! – Just sayin’ ;)
Amy says
I just got a Tubby to carry and store my winter kindling. I think these are great for Canadian living. Cool product.
Melissa says
I have an oak tree in my backyard, and the rack is essential! Tubby, that’s such a cute name for something so useful. Thanks for sharing your “tool set”. Happy Autumn
Melissa says
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