As mentioned previously The Eclectic Gardener is now on Facebook but it may take a little effort to find until more people "like" us. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Eclectic-Gardener-Store-TEGS/159382317440649?v=wall
Let me take this opportunity to point out that I am not The Eclectic Gardener. The Eclectic Gardener is not a single person, it is a "state of mind" for gardeners. You are The eclectic Gardener.
Not only is it cold out but foggy too. We have been getting the thick, low fog known as "tule" fog. Generally burns off by 9:00 or 10:00 am but the last few days the fog has just been hanging higher in the sky and blocking the sun.
Received news yesterday that one of my oldest suppliers have new owners. I wish Patty the best as she moves on to other interests and prosperity to the new owners Tim and Greg.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Happy New Year!
Can't believe that another year is quickly coming to a close. Still haven't gotten the hang of this bloggin' stuff!
The weather been too wet to get much done in the garden/yard. I started a complete remodel of my personal space so I now have a muddy mess. At least the stacked rock retaining wall looks nice.
Today is clear and sunny but really cold 41-degrees for us.
Began setting up a Facebook page today for The Eclectic Gardener.
Don't forget the garden this time of year. Prep when you can and daydream about the coming spring.
The weather been too wet to get much done in the garden/yard. I started a complete remodel of my personal space so I now have a muddy mess. At least the stacked rock retaining wall looks nice.
Today is clear and sunny but really cold 41-degrees for us.
Began setting up a Facebook page today for The Eclectic Gardener.
Don't forget the garden this time of year. Prep when you can and daydream about the coming spring.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Springtime is here
Well I mentioned that I needed to get into this blog thing. I didn't expect it to be this far between postings but life's distractions and priorities have a way of keeping me from doing it. Here's hoping that these are more frequent.
It is spring here in Northern California. The daffodils are just about done blooming, the tulips are not far behind. We have pollen dust on everything and when it rains there is a yellow "slick" when the waters recede.
We lost our Briard-mix dog Lucky to old age at the age of 15 about two years ago. Six months ago we adopted 3-year old Lhasa apso Princeton. He can't wait to get out and look for squirrels or see his friends on walks. The male wild turkeys are "Putting on the Ritz" with their colorful plumage in the open space and yards in the neighborhood.
Here is to a great gardening season and better year ahead. Don't forget to get out in the garden for your physical and mental heath! If you don't garden seek out the efforts of someone elses efforts.
Regards,
Jim
It is spring here in Northern California. The daffodils are just about done blooming, the tulips are not far behind. We have pollen dust on everything and when it rains there is a yellow "slick" when the waters recede.
We lost our Briard-mix dog Lucky to old age at the age of 15 about two years ago. Six months ago we adopted 3-year old Lhasa apso Princeton. He can't wait to get out and look for squirrels or see his friends on walks. The male wild turkeys are "Putting on the Ritz" with their colorful plumage in the open space and yards in the neighborhood.
Here is to a great gardening season and better year ahead. Don't forget to get out in the garden for your physical and mental heath! If you don't garden seek out the efforts of someone elses efforts.
Regards,
Jim
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Farewell and Memories
Just found out that Smith and Hawkins, the firm that inspired The Eclectic Gardener will be no more.
Check out this web blog for detailed information. http://www.gardenrant.com/my_weblog/2009/07/xxa-loving-homage-to-the-beauty-of-functional-well-made--garden-tools-the-smith-hawken-catalog-came-into-my-hands-some.html
Scotts, the current owner of the company has announced their "Going Out of Business" sale.
Sorry to say I agtree that they had lost their roots long ago when Paul Hawkin sold-out.
The Eclectic Gardener -still plugging along after 21-years.
Check out this web blog for detailed information. http://www.gardenrant.com/my_weblog/2009/07/xxa-loving-homage-to-the-beauty-of-functional-well-made--garden-tools-the-smith-hawken-catalog-came-into-my-hands-some.html
Scotts, the current owner of the company has announced their "Going Out of Business" sale.
Sorry to say I agtree that they had lost their roots long ago when Paul Hawkin sold-out.
The Eclectic Gardener -still plugging along after 21-years.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Well spring has sprung here in northern California. Daffodils are blooming, trees have already leafed out, and the hills are green. Still not very warm but it will soon be over 80 degrees I'm sure. Our local weather people always say it will be "comfortable" when it in the high 80's and 90's. It's not warm to them unless it is 90+. Hot is over 100 degree weather.
Me, I'll take 75-78 as comfortable. Anything over 80 is hot to me.
No matter what the temperature outside the rejuvenating spirit of spring can't come soon enough with all the doom and gloom of our economy.
I hope that you and yours are getting by okay. Keep gardening or start one if you haven't. It makes for great excercise and to be productive.
The Eclectic Gardener
Me, I'll take 75-78 as comfortable. Anything over 80 is hot to me.
No matter what the temperature outside the rejuvenating spirit of spring can't come soon enough with all the doom and gloom of our economy.
I hope that you and yours are getting by okay. Keep gardening or start one if you haven't. It makes for great excercise and to be productive.
The Eclectic Gardener
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
So what's the big deal?
I mention in my background that Paul Hawkin of Smith and Hawkin (S&H) fame was an inspiration for my starting The Eclectic Gardener (TEG). I recently visited the newly opened Smith and Hawkin store in Roseville, California about six miles from Orangevale. Now I haven't been to one of the stores in years and I know they are owned by a huge conglomerate. The "folksy" cottage like feel is a whole bunch of marketing savvy but it does make me envious. :)
One of the sales clerks mentioned that she just loved the store and had a hard time convincing her husband that she didn't spend in the store more than she was paid. A truly happy employee!
Anyway, I always have to compare TEG products and prices when I am in a store selling similar products. So the first thing I notice are the forged digging tools. Different to say the least. They were S&H branded (made in England) and like nothing I've ever seen. Carbon steel w/ hardwood handles for about $49.00. Now I sell the Spear and Jackson Stainless Steel tools (made in England) for $46.95 (border size) and $49.95 (Digging size). They didn't have any stainless steel versions but if they did I am certain they would have been priced at about $100+.
I also looked at the hand tools and found many unique items. The closest I could find to the Nejiri Gama Hoe was nothing like my original one (from S&H) or the one that TEG sells which is made in Japan. The S&H one was priced at $19. The Eclectic Gardener's is $9.75 and much better balanced.
So the point is? Smith and Hawkin is a great store. I saw many, many items I'd like to buy. Some of them were even reasonably priced and good values. As stated earlier, I'm envious. The big deal is that in times of frugality and personal fiscal responsibility people need to research, shop, and spend their dollars wisely.
Happy Gardening!
The Eclectic Gardener
One of the sales clerks mentioned that she just loved the store and had a hard time convincing her husband that she didn't spend in the store more than she was paid. A truly happy employee!
Anyway, I always have to compare TEG products and prices when I am in a store selling similar products. So the first thing I notice are the forged digging tools. Different to say the least. They were S&H branded (made in England) and like nothing I've ever seen. Carbon steel w/ hardwood handles for about $49.00. Now I sell the Spear and Jackson Stainless Steel tools (made in England) for $46.95 (border size) and $49.95 (Digging size). They didn't have any stainless steel versions but if they did I am certain they would have been priced at about $100+.
I also looked at the hand tools and found many unique items. The closest I could find to the Nejiri Gama Hoe was nothing like my original one (from S&H) or the one that TEG sells which is made in Japan. The S&H one was priced at $19. The Eclectic Gardener's is $9.75 and much better balanced.
So the point is? Smith and Hawkin is a great store. I saw many, many items I'd like to buy. Some of them were even reasonably priced and good values. As stated earlier, I'm envious. The big deal is that in times of frugality and personal fiscal responsibility people need to research, shop, and spend their dollars wisely.
Happy Gardening!
The Eclectic Gardener
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