A Few of My Favorite Things
Spring in the nursery can be quite a magical time of year with the smell of the thawing earth in the air, the buds emerging on branches, green shoots coming from the ground, and Michigan temperatures all over the map! How can one possibly prepare for the everchanging weather patterns when they can range from cold to warm, dry to rain, and the occasional snow/sleet mix all in one day!
If you are anything like me (and you are probably not), I have a vast array of different gloves. My glove needs change throughout the day depending on what job or task I am involved in, so I seem to have an assortment of different gloves on me at all times. Thankfully we sell approximately 20 different varieties... And I think I have 15! A few of my favorites include the Ninja’s for cold weather, H2O waterproof, and the basic blue and grey palm. I also love the long print arm savers that help with prickly projects like roses. The Mudd line is very versatile and carries many options. Including the ‘Soft and Cool’ aloe. Aloe in a glove. Who knew? You can find many different material options as well, from leather to goatskin, bamboo to thermal, etc...
Besides gloves, there is nothing more important than a good pair of “bibs” in the spring (and fall)! Whether it is a Carhart brand or Bernie’s, or whatever else you find, Bibs are a must have to keep warm when the temperatures are low. There are many different thickness levels and depending on the percentage of time that you are outside can determine what will work the best for you. They can last year after year, season upon season, and as you can see from the photograph they are worth their weight. These may have seen better days (or seasons), but they are now 3rd generation and still in circulation.
And the beloved boot. I have gone through oodles of boots in the 11 seasons I have been with Christensen’s. Let’s do some quick math- low average of 15,000 steps per day X 6 days per week = 90,000 steps a week equaling approximately 45 miles a week. That could work up to 1500 miles a season (disclosure: close, but not fully accurate math). That being said, there is no boot that can claim those miles in a season. You can invest in a high-quality boot and have it last about a season and a half. Or you can invest in a lesser expensive boot and recognize that it may be a yearly purchase. I have done both, and like my gloves, seem to have a selection now to choose from. Yes, I now have full rain boots, lite boots for summer, and a mid-weight for all around seasonal fun.
I could certainly continue with rain gear, hats and brim benefits, and multitudes of sunscreen products, however, I need to get back out into the plants! To sum up, the purpose of this article is that no matter what you are doing there is not one specific product that will meet all your needs for all of your jobs. Knowing what works for you and having the basics to meet the demands of the weather conditions you are working in is enough. No matter how many fun and fancy gloves I buy, what works for me are basic blue palm. No matter how many boots I go through, what works for me are basic, waterproof, all temperature, all season, one pair, work boot. Whatever “bibs” I have to add an extra layer of warmth to my already layers of warmth underneath are adequate. So as this new season gets underway, keep dry, warm, cool, layered, covered, and most of all- safe!
Happy Spring
