Newest Garden Products on the Market

Trade shows and consumer shows are not the same type of events.  A consumer show is one that is open to the public – like a home show.  A trade show is limited to only those in a particular working trade.  The largest trade show for home and garden is called the National Hardware Show.  Though you aren’t invited to attend, don’t take it personally.  I’m invited each year and am able to share with you the movers and shakers of this fascinating industry.   

Once again I’ve had the honor being a judge for the National Hardware Show Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Living Awards.  Today we take a look at the products deemed the highest of them all.

Gold: Cookina Barbecue Cooking Sheet.  An alternative to aluminum foil, Cookina cooking sheets (for BBQ and another for ovens) keeps your BBQ and oven clean and sparkling. It’s suitable for BBQs, microwaves, gas/electric ovens and grills. It’s deal for non-stick, easy-clean and healthy grilling (and you will see the grill lines) and cooking! 100% non-stick, fat-free cooking as food simply glides off the PTFE (PFOA free) coated non-stick fabric.  It’s reusable, reversible and easy to clean.  This product makes a sustainability statement of use me again!  You can also cut it to size and it’ll hold no ordor or flower from previous use.  You can find Cookina line of products at many retails.  For a list or to order direct visit www.Cookina.co.

Silver: Scotts® Snap™ Spreader.  A new revolutionary way to feed your lawns is now here.  Used exclusively with Scotts Snap-Pacs you simply place a cartridge on the spreader, snap it in place with the pull of a lever then start feeding your lawn. It’s that simple!  Scotts® Snap™ Spreader also has the EdgeGuard feature which directs product only where you want it.  There’s no need to neither open a bag nor touch the material.  When done you simply detach the bag as it’ll keep for the next time your use it. The handle also folds down for easy storage.  Find Scotts® Snap™ Spreader at your local nursery, garden center and hardware store.  Visit www.Scotts.com for more information.

Bronze:  GLOstick Flying Insect Trap.  This innovative device by Catchmaster traps flying insects such as black flies, fruit flies, mosquitoes, gnats and more.  Without zapping, insects are drawn to the 6” tubes that are coated with a non-toxic adhesive. The top reflective cap intensifies insect attraction while the bottom base houses three AA batteries powering a high-efficiency LED bulb that the tube nests in.  Turn the light on at night and insects will be drawn to the light and get stuck!  The box comes with an extra tube and refill packs are available. Visit www.GLOstikTrap.com for more information.

Honorable Mention Award:  Wonder Grip "Nearly Naked" Garden Gloves.  I had the opportunity to award Paulette Bergh this award for Wonder Grip.  Though the name sounds provocative these gloves feel air-light yet are strong and durable.  Wonder Grip has a proprietary coating that breathes, keeping hands cool, and maintains its grip even when wet.  The coated glove offers a durable feel and dexterity not found in a typical garden glove.  Ask for these by name at your local retailer or visit www.lfsinc.com for more information.

What’s Hot and New in the Marketplace: I also highlighted these same products, amongst other of my favorites, in my weekly Saturday news segment on CBS|KCAL 9 in Los Angeles. Let’s take a brief look at what caught my eye.

Dramm Quick Disconnect with Water Stop.  Eliminates the Hassle of Connecting & Disconnecting.  Set of Four - 1 Female 3 Male Adaptors.  Remains in water tool for Quick Connections.  No Splash Feature- dry disconnect without turning water supply off!  Ask for these by name at your local retailer or visit www.dramm.com for more information.

Muletto Multi-Function Hand Truck.  Thoughtfully designed and highly functional, the Muletto uniquely combines the capabilities of a wheelbarrow, hand truck dolly, extended dolly, bag holder, cylinder holder, rock lifter & mover, flower pot carrier & trailer mover all in one. The Muletto is more than just a tool. It's an entire work system that lets you transform from function to function simply & easily.  Ask for the Muletto by name at your local retailer or visit www.themuletto.com for more information.

Home & Garden|Conant Custom Brass from Weems & Plath.  For over 80 years, Weems and Plath has taken great pride in building high-quality nautical and weather instruments.  In addition, they offer a line of designer thermometers and rain gauges making the perfect addition to the yard and garden.  These are so nice I wouldn’t be surprised if you use them indoors as well.  Ask for these by name at your local retailer or visit www.weems-plath.com for more information.