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Featured Companies
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Money-Making Must-Haves
| Ellen C. Wells
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>> Published Date: 6/15/2010
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Amber’s Garden With fewer and fewer children not familiar with where food comes from, products that share the knowledge of and joy in gardening with children are more important than ever.
The Amber’s Garden line of ready-to-plant vegetable garden mats is one way to solve the problems that can deter new gardeners, or make gardening with children more labor and time intensive than is practical. Pre-seeded veggie mats take the guesswork out of what to plant and how to plant it. Each mat comes with seeds already spaced, enveloped in a material called Raylene made of plant fiber and burlap that is 100% biodegradable and acts as a weed barrier for the first eight to 10 weeks. Simply roll out mats in a sunny spot of amended garden soil (or cut mats into sections to fit perfectly in patio containers) cover as directed with soil, and water according to directions. Sprouting begins in as little as three to five days, and harvesting is as soon as 30 days!
Recommended by The National Gardening Association as the fastest and easiest way to start the summer garden, these kits are also ideal for novice or elderly gardeners. Amber’s Garden offers seven varieties of vegetable kits, including the new Asian, Salsa and Rainbow Crop Gardens. Large mats measure 6 ft. x 14 in. and small mats are 18 in. diameter. www.ambersgarden.com
Aquascape Inc. Aquascape’s new decorative, urn-style RainXchange Rain Barrel can be incorporated into existing gutter and drainage systems. Made in the U.S., the barrel’s 75-gal. capacity allows for greater rainwater storage than most available rain barrels.
The barrel offers consumers an easy-to-use and attractive option for getting started with rainwater harvesting. The unit requires no electricity and the large internal overflow system keeps water in the barrel and away from the house. Durable plastic walls withstand extreme conditions and a 5-year warranty is included. A garden hose can be attached to the unit’s brass spigot to aid with irrigation. The childproof lockable lid has a screened gutter inlet and can be used as a planter to help naturalize the barrel into the landscape design. The attractive design is an aesthetic option for storm water management over traditional rain barrels.www.aquascapeinc.com
Dramm Dramm is introducing a brand-new line of cutting tools into their 2011 product offerings. And don’t worry, they’ll be available in those eye-catching colors Dramm is famous for. The ColorPoint 24-in. Bypass Lopper is perfect for big cutting tasks. It’s designed for maximum precision and efficiency in a comfortable, lightweight, well-balanced design.
Made from SK5 Heat Treated Steel Blades, the 1 1/2–in. cutting capacity provides a clean cut for plants, shrubs and trees. The ColorPoint Lopper is made from high-strength aluminum and has plastic rubber grips and cushioned, shock-absorbing bumpers for comfort. Available carded and on display racks. www.dramm.com
 Foodmap Design The Foodmap Container is made with 100% post-consumer recycled milk-jug plastic (HDPE) and a powder-coated steel frame. These materials are both functional and are environmentally sustainable in regard to the availability of the recycled material and energy required in their manufacturing.
The Foodmap Container comes in two sizes, low (23 in. tall) and tall (30 in. tall) and each is 31 in. long, 15 ¼ in. wide, and 12 in. to 14 in. deep. The container has casters for easy moving. www.foodmapdesign.com
Good Ideas Inc. The Compost Wizard Hybrid is a tool that combines a 7 cu. ft. compost tumbler atop a 47-gal. rain barrel. The rain barrel connects to a downspout and collects runoff from the roof, while the tumbler holds compostable material and aids in its decomposition.
Together, the composter and rain barrel produce a nutrient-packed compost tea that can be used to feed the garden. The Compost Wizard Hybrid is available in five colors matching many house styles. www.goodideasinc.com
International Mulch Company New to the company’s mix of yard and garden products made from recycled tires are 100% recycled rubber splash blocks and cobblestone edging. These new products offer gardeners durability and versatility in their landscaping, and unlike concrete versions of these products, will not crack, chip or break due to freeze and thaw cycles. The blocks and edging offer flexibility in the landscape and are also light enough to move with little effort. Recycled rubber offers product longevity and little to no annual maintenance required, saving consumers both time and money. International Mulch Company will have recycled more than 200 million pounds of tires into landscaping and playground products by the end of 2010, equating to more than 12 million tires. www.internationalmulch.com
Water Right Inc. Water Right is a U.S. manufacturer of lead- and phthalate-free polyurethane garden hoses. The company specializes in high-end coil garden hoses and has recently launched its new Ultra-Light series hose, which is much slimmer and lighter than other garden hoses on the market. Water Right produces its garden hoses out of 100% FDA-grade polyurethane. Hoses last for years and are produced with the safety of the end consumer family, pets and garden in mind. www.waterrightinc.com
Woolly Pockets Woolly Pockets are flexible, breathable and modular gardening containers that can be used both indoors and out. Pockets are simple to install and maintain. Just place or hang the pockets and fill with soil and seeds or full-size plants.
In addition to the product itself, a goal of the Woolly Pockets founder, Miguel Nelson, is also worthy to note. The Woolly School Gardens is a program where inexpensive gardens are planted at schools to help teach children in grades K-12 about nutrition and gardening. Woolly Pockets are ideal for urban schools, as they allow gardens to be created anywhere—from a concrete wall to a chain link fence. www.woollypocket.com and www.woollyschoolgarden.org GP
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