Page-flipping in February

Lee Valley has always been a popular company for those connected to the earth and their new products for 2007 continue the trend.

Here are just a few that caught my eye:

Remember Rings

Some perennials don’t poke their heads out of the ground until late spring and once bulbs have bloomed it’s easy to forget where they were planted- two good reasons to use ‘Remember Rings’. These 10-inch diameter UV-resistant recycled plastic rings are sold in sets of three and are surprisingly attractive when place on the ground to serve as reminders of what’s below. They remain put throughout the winter and can also be written on with a permanent garden marker. Set of three is $9.50

Ant Moat

Ever have problems with ants parading up a tree and down the hanger for your hummingbird feeder? The Umbrella Ant Moat at $8.95 is the answer. The black, powder-coated steel unit looks like an inverted umbrella. Fill the moat with water, hang your feeder from it and watch the ants meet a watery barrier when they try to sip your syrup.

Long-Handled Spider Catcher

Spiders may not incite gentle thoughts in many, but for those who recognize their value in the ecological circle, the long-handle spider catcher is a handy tool. A double ring of soft bristles encircles and gently traps spiders for relocation to the great outdoors. The two-foot long handle has a squeeze grip to control the bristles. There’s even a plastic spider to allow for practice and a cover to place over the bristles to protect them. The tools are sold in packages of two for $19.95.

Floral Arrangers

For those who enjoy cutting their own flowers and arranging them, the cost of florist oasis blocks can start to add up. A great alternative is the flexible coil. Available in two sizes, these flexible stainless steel units can hold a variety of stem diameters. Set the coil in a decorative container and then poke flower stems through the top until they are anchored in the bottom. The small size ($14.50) measures 3” x 3”, the large size is 3” x 6 1/2” ($17.50). The coils can also be used for dried or silk arrangements.