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68 | Gazette Life | November 2025GAZETTE |GARDENINGIf you have a garden on Lanzarote, you probably won%u2019t be buying a lawnmower any time soon, but some tools will be extremely useful. Here%u2019s what you need.PROTECTIVE GEARThis is no joke. Lanzarote gardens can contain some extremely spiky plants, and they should be taken very seriously. In New Zealand, a rise in eye injuries has been linked with the increased popularity of the Canarian palm, whose sharp leaves are often at the most dangerous height, and local cactuses, agaves, aloes and crown-ofthorns can also cause nasty injuries.Tough gardening gloves are an absolute must if you%u2019re dealing with spiky plants, and goggles should also be worn if there%u2019s any chance they%u2019ll get near your eyes. Long trousers and long sleeves are also a good idea.RAKESRakes are an essential part of the Canarian gardener%u2019s armoury. Standard rakes help clear stones away, leaf rakes can help with fallen leaves (and are more useful than leaf blowers) and a claw rake is a good buy if you do a lot of weeding. Rakes are also essential for levelling pic%u00f3n to an even finish. SPADES AND TROWELSYour decision to buy a spade will depend on the soil in your area. If you live on a complex where there%u2019s only a fairly thin layer of topsoil, it%u2019s probably not going to be an important purchase, and you%u2019ll probably get away with trowels for most digging jobs. A trowel is essential whatever your garden is like, and you should buy a decent one. If you have deep, richer soil, and especially if you plan to use it for vegetables, then a spade will be a valuable tool. If there%u2019s a lot of pic%u00f3n in your garden, a shovel may be useful, too. CLIPPERS AND SAWSA good range of cutting tools is important for pruning and clipping. You%u2019ll need a range, from kitchen scissors to tougher secateurs and a good pair of shears. Tough, woody branches Getmean that a pruning saw may also be necessary, and you may even need to buy loppers or long handled saws to trim treetops. WHEELBARROWSUnless you regularly shift pic%u00f3n or manure, we don%u2019t think a wheelbarrow is necessary for most gardens. What can come in handy is a tough tarpaulin, where you can put clippings and waste before wrapping it up and taking it to the Punto Limpio. Strong rubbish bags can also be useful for this job. HOESHoes are an ancient, yet really useful tool that you%u2019ll still often see local gardeners using to create shallow trenches, break up soil, destroy weeds and even turn up potatoes. HOSES AND WATERING CANSWatering is vital on Lanzarote. If you%u2019ve got a garden of any size at all, a good hose with an adjustable spray nozzle is essential. Even if you install an irrigation system, a hose down is necessary every couple of weeks on this dusty island. If you only have a terrace or balcony, a watering can is your basic tool, backed up with a good, pump-action 1-2 litres spray mister.KNEEPADSThere are no soft lawns on Lanzarote. If you kneel, your poor knees are going to be supporting your weight on concrete, stony soil or rough gravel. Get some kneepads or a kneeler. TooledupNo.1 artificial grass company in the CanariesPayment option available, & any written like for like quote will be matchedTHE LAWN SPECIALIST%u2022 Product & Service Second to None %u2022 Specialist Unique Installation %u2022 Can be applied to any surface %u2022 Great around pools & Spas to avoid slippingGreenAsGrassPlease contact Lucy on 696 270 282 or Office 928 854 759 - gagcanaries@hotmail.com10 year guaranteeArtificialGrassPlease find us on Facebookeded to any surface%u2022PleaseWe are now in our 19th year transforming people's outside spaces...Now in our 19th year of businessNow in our 18th year of business