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What will they think of next? Great Garden Gadgets by Plumstone

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With a handiness factor that compares itself to the invention of the garlic press for culinary experts, the SoilStick, which is just one of the new products introduced by Plumstone, is sure to assist even the most novice of gardeners with how to accurately determine the correct acidity level for a particular plant or bed of plants.

Determining pH levels in soil until now was a fairly daunting task, and if you happened to be thumbing through the latest issue of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine like me the day the professor covered the topic in chemistry class, you are also at a loss as to why your Camellia bush’s foliage is yellowing.

Here is some background on the science behind the measurement of soil pH. The pH level is a mosaic that varies according to soil crumb structure, on the surface of colloids, and at microsites. The pH also exhibits vertical gradients, tending to be more acidic in surface mulches and alkaline where evaporation, wormcasts, and capillary action draw bases up to the soil surface… Wait, I got off track a bit, and there IS a much easier way!

The SoilStick will do this for you. SoilStick’s innovative scoop design measures out the perfect amount of soil each time, giving more accurate results. Each package includes a pH Color Chart matching plants (including vegetables and fruits) with the right pH in one easy step. An Amendment Chart makes it a snap for users to change the pH for a particular plant or perennial bed. To use SoilStick, simply scoop the soil, dump it into the tube, add water and the pH tablet. Each package includes 8 tablets.

If you are working on a gardening how-to article as a member of the media, let us know how we can assist you and your readers. The folks at Plumstone are experts well worth quoting. Consumers can make purchases at www.plumstone.com. Watch for more posts from us about Plumstone’s products before spring.

~ Jeff

RockWood Casual Furniture

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Totem poles may recount familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events. Some poles are erected to celebrate cultural beliefs, but others are intended mostly as artistic presentations. Speaking of artistic presentations, the new Totem Collection of outdoor woven furniture from RockWood Casual (Outdoor) Furniture is definitely a work of art. It offers the best of contemporary design with a traditional flair. The collection is smaller and retro in its curves and can be mixed and matched for versatility and function. Our favorite is the interlocking coffee table and seating pieces that double as ottomans for other chairs in the collection.


During the International Casual Furniture & Accessories market in Chicago this September, the company’s showroom team also introduced a new line of outdoor furnishings with true leather coverings and cushions. Called Xtreme Leather and created with a special nanotechnology embedded with silicone, RockWood can supply the leather to customers in just two weeks. The leather is a premium bull hide from Australia in 40 beautiful colors. Our pick is this green leather chair that stands ready in the showroom’s front entryway to yield comfort and durability for future owners.


Multiple product lines are detailed at www.rockwoodfurniture.com.

~Jeff

Things that will make you “grow,” hmmmm…

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Spending a few minutes with Dolly Webster, owner of Garden Things, will give you a big smile on your face and make you want to get out and garden! This energetic and passionate entrepreneur who gained valuable experience from the textiles industry has created a new line of gardening products that are sure to keep even the most disorderly gardener in check and fully organized.

Here are some unique descriptions of the newest products offered. All products are made from PVC coated polyester for the ultimate in UV resistance and durability.

The Garden Harvester – No more dirty vegetables in the sink. Use this clever ¾ bushel tote to gather and rinse your garden produce before bringing them indoors. It stands open for harvesting but folds flat for storage. Designed as a harvesting tote, it is also useful for farmers market shopping, clamming and beach toys. The unique design keeps the tote open for hands-free gathering, even when worn over the shoulder. Additional outside pockets are perfect for smaller items.

The Garden Quiver – No more losing what you need. It organizes all the needed materials used to stake and tie plants into one easy-to-carry tote. And, it even has a string dispenser. This product is so convenient, it stands at your work site with the support of a stake and hangs in the shed for storage.

The Garden Padd – No more sore knees. Inspired by a backpacker’s sleeping pad, the high density foam in the lily pad-shaped kneeling pad offers ultimate comfort when kneeling. This fun design provides a lot of surface area to move around but rolls up neatly and tidily for easy storage – just like with a yoga mat.

According to Dolly, 87% of the demographic shopping for products at garden centers are fashion conscious women age 30 years and up. This was a major factor in her decisions related to product design and merchandising support.

If you are a retailer, consider carrying these products in this age of streamlining and getting organized. Members of the media are welcome to contact us with questions.

~ Jeff