GARDEN CAPSULE
JAN RIGGENBACH
The challenge: Your back isn’t up to lifting stones, rocks, plants, pavers, fertilizer and other heavy landscape materials into a cart or wheelbarrow.
The solution: Load your heavy objects onto a low, flat, saucer-like GardenGlide and pull it by the attached braided nylon rope across grass, soil, sand or concrete. Although only about 28 inches in diameter, it’s built to carry loads of up to 200 pounds.
Pluses: Because the GardenGlide is only 4 inches tall, you can roll or slide most heavy materials onto it without lifting. It allows you to use the strength of your legs, not your back, to move items to the desired location. The glide’s raised back prevents materials from falling off. There are no wheels to maintain or to sink into soft surfaces. The GardenGlide is lightweight, tough and weatherproof. Rope connections at the glide and the handle are spliced to maintain full rope strength. You’ll find non-garden uses, such as hauling firewood. When not in use, little storage space is required.
Minuses: There’s simply no way to totally eliminate the physical effort required to move heavy landscape materials; although the GardenGlide makes these jobs much easier, you may find you need to hire help in spring and fall.
Sources: You can buy the GardenGlide ($35.69, plus shipping) from Gardener’s Edge (888/556-5676, Gardeners Edge.com).