Adam Kirtland offers some savvy suggestions
That old adage of ‘putting the garden to bed for winter’ doesn’t mean we can’t still get out and enjoy some gardening during the colder months of the year. While the neighbours’ curtains may be twitching at the thought of me outside in the wind, rain, and snow – I try to get out and do some gardening all year round, because it feels so incredibly good!But, to do that I’ve got to be kitted out with suitable apparel to keep the cold at bay and the wet..out! Here are some winter wear staples to help you get out and about whatever-the-weather.
Warm, comfy, flexible wellington boots
The first port of call when it comes to serious gardening in winter has to be a solid pair of full-length boots and the Buckingham Neoprene Wellington Boots from Town and Country are exactly that. Quite often a boot of this length can be tough and uncomfortable, but these are equipped with a neoprene leg section that is not only easy on your leg but also adds extra warmth, which is much needed! That leg portion is also very pliable which means that bending down or getting near the ground is easy to do, something you wouldn’t normally get with a standard wellington boot. Prices from £54.99 townandco.com
The ultimate waterproof trousers
Until this year I’d struggled to find trousers that were hard wearing, warm yet flexible enough to really get stuck into those winter tasks but with the 3-Season Gardening Trousers from Genus, that problem was solved. The genius (sorry, I couldn’t resist) elements of these robust trousers are the adjustable built in knee pads and seat panel for comfort, warm and robust waterproof protection. No wet bottoms with these trousers! They come complete with copious, spacious pockets that are tough enough to hold secateurs and tools as required. They cost from £139.99. See genus.gs.
Hand protection
The cherry on top when you’re out in all weathershas to be a robust pair of gardening gloves. Burgon and Ball’s ‘Dig The Glove’ and ‘Love The Glove’ ranges offer a lovely selection of gloves which enable you to bend your hands and fingers fully, whilst protecting against the cold air and wet ground. burgonandball.com prices from £17.49
The gardener’s smock
Normally, you’ll find me outside in winter with a thick jumper on but usually I’ll come back indoors caked in soil, thankfully the Sarah Raven Gardener’s Smock has come to the rescue here. It is light enough to just throw on over your usual jacket or pullover but great for keeping your clothes clean and for keeping you dry too. Made from 100% cotton, this is durable and ideal for those messy gardening jobs safe in the knowledge that it’s only a washing machine cycle away from near new again. See sarahraven.com – retails at £69.95
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