The perfect tool...

We’re forever hearing about the latest gardening gizmos but it pays to be creative with household tools, says Toby

- Toby Buckland

IF necessity is invention’s mother, then gardening is that bonny baby’s father. Never was that so apparent than last Sunday, when a listener to my Radio Devon show emailed to share just how good welder’s gauntlets were when compared to gardening gloves – especially when pulling thorny brambles and working with roses.

I agree, they might make you feel a bit Medieval – but their heavy leather never rips or punctures and, best of all, they are a bargain at under a tenner.

Plus, they’re usually bright red, a colour that may clash with your sartorial style but it makes the mitts almost impossible to lose in the borders.

Listener Richard’s recommendation prompted dozens of other innovative ideas, proving how repurposing and make-do-and-mend are in the very weft and weave of the gardener’s craft.