5 Garden Tools That Will Guarantee Your Success

Andrea Whitely watering a hanging basket with a pink coloured MagicWand garden tool.


Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just beginning to explore the joys of gardening, having the right garden tools can make all the difference.

The right equipment helps you work more efficiently, reduce strain, and ultimately get better results from your garden, and you will have much more fun with the right gear.

Here are my five top gardening tools that I just can’t garden without. No matter what style of gardening you’re into, these will all be super handy.

Right now, I am pruning and weeding and trimming and liquid fertilising and planting, yep Autumn is the best time for planting and gardening in Perth so these 5 tools are all on high rotation right now.

I have power tools such as a battery powered blower and trimmer, and I do have shovels and rakes but these five tools are always close at hand and always in use in my garden. I’m sure they will be in yours too very soon.

CobraHead Weeder

The CobraHead Weeder is a game-changer for removing stubborn weeds and cultivating soil. Its uniquely curved steel blade mimics the motion of a cobra striking—hence the name—and slices effortlessly through soil, roots and tangled vegetation. Ideal for weeding in tight spaces, loosening soil, and even transplanting small plants, this versatile tool is a must-have. The ergonomic handle ensures comfort, even during extended sessions in the garden. Its durability and multi-purpose design make it one of the most beloved hand tools among gardeners. Wherever I go gardening my clients always ask, “What is that tool?” and “Where can I get one?”

The great news is that Cobrahead now have a distributor in Australia, so you can easily get your hands on one, unlike me who travelled to the USA to get mine. https://blog.cobrahead.com/2024/06/28/cobrahead-tools-now-available-in-australia-and-new-zealand/

Felco Secateurs (Model F-2)

Always in my back pocket are my trusty old Felco Secateurs. Pruning is essential for healthy plant growth, and Felco secateurs are the gold standard in cutting tools. Made in Switzerland, the Felco F-2 is renowned for its precision, strength and longevity. The hardened steel blades cut cleanly through stems and branches up to 1 inch thick. The aluminum handles are lightweight yet sturdy, with a comfortable, cushioned grip. What sets Felco apart is its fully replaceable parts, allowing gardeners to keep their favourite pair in working condition for decades. I can always find them in a bucket filled with green waste too, because they’re bright red! https://www.bunnings.com.au/felco-2-original-secateurs_p3358858?srsltid=AfmBOorsnh0UqkOvS23DI-eoKAD_N3uA2EDgGbu4KEi_E_vTeC-GQwq_

Dramm Rain Wand

Watering efficiently and gently is key to a healthy garden, and the Dramm Rain Wand excels at both. Its 30-inch length gives you extended reach, while the soft-touch watering head mimics a gentle rain, protecting delicate seedlings and blossoms. The thumb-controlled valve allows precise water flow with minimal effort, reducing hand fatigue. Built from durable aluminum and designed for everyday use, the Dramm Rain Wand is a favourite among professionals who need reliable, gentle watering tools. These come in the hottest bright colours so even your garden tools will look well put together and co-ordinated.https://botanex.com.au/products/dramm-30-touch-n-flow-rain-wand-watering-tool-berry

Ezy Storage 60L Flexi Bucket

Probably the least expensive item in my gardening kit. Every gardener needs a reliable container for collecting weeds, carrying soil or transporting tools. The Ezy Storage 60-litre Flexi Bucket is lightweight, flexible, and tough enough for heavy-duty work. Its large capacity makes it perfect for hauling compost, mulch or garden debris. The dual handles make it easy to lift and carry—even when full—and it can be squashed down for compact storage when not in use. It’s a versatile tool that gets a thorough workout in my garden. I use it to dunk every plant before planting a soloution fo Seasol and Powerfeed mixed together. I dunk the entire pot into the bucket of water and seaweed solution, until all the bubbles are gone and then take the plant out of the pot before planting it into the ground.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ezy-storage-42l-assorted-colour-square-flexi-storage-tubs_p0216616?srsltid=AfmBOoo0hzVQ78jppZFpi0DQpHB0oWaNKP85pFxOw7YxW9lncnOlcc3e

DeWit Planting Trowel

Made in the Netherlands, DeWit tools are celebrated for their craftsmanship, and the DeWit Planting Trowel is no exception. Its sharp, hand-forged steel blade and durable ash-wood handle make it ideal for digging precise planting holes, cutting through roots, and transplanting with ease. The trowel’s unique design combines the functionality of a standard trowel with the strength of a hand spade, making it perfect for gardeners who want both finesse and power in one tool. I have had one of these for years and honestly it never fails. The blade remains sharp and can cut through the densest roots. Built with a wooden handle that fits into my hand perfectly, my hand never gets sore using this. https://europeantoolsaustralia.com/collections/dewit/products/garden-trowel


These five tools—each known for quality, comfort, and effectiveness—will elevate your gardening experience and help you maintain a thriving, beautiful outdoor space. Investing in the right tools is the first step toward a healthier garden and a happier you. If you need further advice get in touch here.

What tool features in your ‘She Shed’ that you just can’t garden without?

Working your way through Winter

grey storms rolling over the Perth skyline with a grey calm river
Perth city horizon with grey stormy clouds overhead and a choppy murky river to the front.

Makuru June and July The Season of Fertility

OK, so yes, it is rainy and a bit cold out there but that shouldn’t stop us die hard gardeners from setting the foundations for a stunning spring garden.

Makuru in Noongar language, (the indigenous language from where most of us live and garden here in Perth and Western Australia) is known as the season of fertility. June and July, is the time when the seeds you plant in your garden will easily germinate shortly after you plant them. The seeds will be watered and nourished by the rain and warmed by the sunshine when we have those days in between the rains. It is the perfect time for planting.

Be a careful shopper

New plants when planted small as tube stock or smaller specimens will really take off at this time of the year and actually will settle into the soil much faster than if your were to plant a bigger plant from the garden centre. This ultimately saves you money and you end up with a more beautiful garden with healthy well established plants by the time we experience the heat of summer as the roots are more established and can survive with less water. At the garden centre or nursery don’t always go for the biggest plant you can find. There is always a good selection of smaller plants to choose from. Check them out first. Many local councils will offer vouchers for discounted tube stock plants from APACE nursery to help you get started. https://www.apacewa.org.au/

Prepare your Soil before you Plant

This is the best time to improve your soil with compost and minerals to prepare. The soil is nice and damp so will make digging easier and adding nutrients to the soil a breeze. Also, it is cooler so easier on your own body working outdoors. I use Mature Compost from Swan Valley Landscape Supplies. https://www.swanvalleylandscapesupplies.com.au/

Don’t Prune Your Roses just yet

It is still too early to prune your roses, wait until August or even early September. Don’t prune them too hard, especially if you have cut them back after Summer due to the dreaded chilli thrip.

Keep an Eye on Your Weeds, please!

Keep your weeds under control by pulling them as they emerge, let’s not make heavy weather of this…see one poking its head out, rip it out. Stop them from spreading their seeds into your neighbour’s house. My favourite weeding tool is the Cobrahead Weeder-you can buy them in Australia now. https://www.allrareherbs.com.au/product/mini-weeder-cultivator-garden-tool/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwk8e1BhALEiwAc8MHiBGY1Wqjdw55k5Q8GW25583V8kREmPPxhB2B0i44S_yUD8CS8F6B7xoCf_EQAvD_BwE

Cobrahead tool at work in the soil

Snuggle Up with A Good Book

If it’s too wet outside, there’s always a good gardening book to read. I am reading Good Life Gardening by Hannah Maloney. https://au.permacultureprinciples.com/product/good-life-growing/

What are you reading, this winter?

Grey but calm view of the Perth skyline across the river from a jetty.
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