Allan Armitage

Tilley hat - what can I say?  All I have to do to be anonymous is not wear the hat.  if I don't wear it and meet someone who knows me, they invariably say “I didn’t recognize you without the hat”

The hat is made by Tilley Company, the one I wear is the Wide Brim model and I wear it because I am genuinely afraid of skin cancer.  It is expensive but guaranteed for at least two years and is the best hat I have ever tried,  www.tilley.com

Squirrel-proof bird feeder.  Next to deer eating plants, I hear about those darn squirrels in the feeders.  I am in love with birds in my garden and damn if I am going to keep feeding the squirrels.  I have tried many feeders but without doubt the best squirrel proof-feeder is Squirrel Buster Plus from Brome Bird Care Co.  It is available through any online store selling feeders.  I also have the Squirrel Buster Finch Feeder. 

 

 The Weed Wrench was introduced to me by my neighbor Sue Wilde, who attacks invasives like privet, English ivy, elaeagnus and wisteria - with gusto. While I was pulling and grunting with some Chinese wisteria, Sue brought her weed wrench to my garden and demonstrated its effectiveness.  It was amazing how much of the roots it was able to leverage.  Sore backs won’t be eliminated, neither will all the invasives, but the weed wrench helps reduce both.  Sue is warmly known as “The Weed Wench with the Weed Wrench.”    www.weedwrench.com.

If people ask me about my favorite plant, I tell them what I like but depending on climate and locale, it may not be the best for them.  Best car, best tomato, best shovel - who knows? 

But here are some of my favorite things I can recommend to anyone - because I use them. They work for me, and they will work for almost anyone anywhere.