Top Product Picks for 2007

by Kelly D. Norris

The diversity of new horticultural products on the market each year never ceases to amaze me, yet many products that aren’t brand-spanking new also deserve to be mentioned. Many times new products take a season or two before the majority of the buying public adopts them into the class of regularly purchased. This month I am going to discuss five of my top horticultural product picks for 2007. It is important to note that these represent only my opinions and does not constitute an endorsement of any particular product, manufacturer, nursery, or agency.

Top Pick: Garden Art
I cannot get over the Genesis Solar Swirl solar lighting system from Allsop Home Garden. Their lovely artisan, hand-blown glass globes are the perfect work of art for my garden. Not only can the craftsmanship be enjoyed during the day but at night as well when this self starting solar light illuminates the garden. The globes come in blue or green swirls and require no wiring whatsoever and these battery powered marvels will last for over 100,000+ hours. Check out more details at www.allsopgarden.com.

Top Pick: Garden Book
Hellebores: A comprehensive guide by C. Colston Burrell and Judith Knott Tyler is the coup of garden literature in the last year. The beauty of free press in this world is that it allows members of our diverse world community to share with us their knowledge, insights, and pleasures regardless of how many books have come before it. Many helleboriacs have criticized the addition of yet another reference on hellebores but I praise it. Burrell and Tyler’s approach is rich with information, first-hand experience with hellebores in their native environs, and dazzling color photographs provided by Burrell and Tyler’s husband Richard. For the many gardeners in this world who have yet to enjoy the pleasures of hellebores or Lenten roses in their garden, this book will surely provide good soil in which to start.

Top Pick: Garden Tool
From Oxo International comes a great new watering can. With a rotatable spout for efficient storage, this lightweight and attractive watering can comes in a variety of jazzy colors making it impossible to lose or misplace in the garden. Reasonably priced and available on Oxo’s website (www.oxo.com) for $14.99, the best feature of all is the comfortable silicon grip pad for which the kitchen utensil manufacturer has become known for. If you don’t like the 3 quart size they have a 1 quart mini version too.

Top Pick: Garden Additive
Not a new product at all, this year’s top pick in the garden additive category has been a staple in my gardening regimen for several years. Despite its commonality I am amazed at how many gardeners have not yet encountered Preen^®. Preen^® products include fertilizer and weed controls for the lawn as well as the flower or vegetable garden. Widely available at local garden centers and big-box stores, this is the homeowner’s solution to tough weeds in the garden. Look for the big yellow container.

Top Pick: Garden Plant
It would be nearly impossible to pick a single top garden plant for the 2007 if it weren’t for Clematis alpina ‘Stolwijk Gold’ PPAF. It was offered only from a select few nurseries in 2007, including Plant Delights Nursery (www.plantdelights.com) and Sundquist Nurseries (www.sqnursery.citymax.com ), this stunning new breakthrough in Clematis sports bright golden-chartreuse foliage and cobalt blue flowers. The combinational ability is endless! The rambling vine makes its way to 6’ tall all the while making your neighbors, friends, and family jealous that you have it and they don’t. GG

Kelly D Norris is a contributing editor for Garden & Greenhouse, farm manager for Rainbow Iris Farm (www.rainbowfarms.net) and is working on his undergraduate degree in horticulture at Iowa State University. You can contact him by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and you can read his blog at http://e-gardenalmanac.blogsport.com .