Gardening & Nursery

Bigger, better, and friendlier are the terms that best describe the latest snow blowers, also called snow throwers. The new models feature easier steering and more convenient chute controls. And prices are down, thanks to pressure from major retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's, and Sears, which account for the majority of sales.

Lawn mowers and tractors

Some of the latest mowers and tractors cut time and effort as well as the grass without breaking the bank. Regular mowing is as vital to maintaining a healthy lawn as watering, fertilizing, and weeding. A bumper crop of easier-starting mowers and wider-cutting tractors helps to trim some of the work. And new federal regulations cut down on gas fumes.

Decks

About 80 percent of homeowners who install decks use wood. But our latest tests show that synthetic planks can offer good looks with less upkeep. Composites, which blend ground-up wood and plastic, are chipping away the fastest at wood's popularity. Some contain recycled plastic.

String trimmers

A string trimmer can trim neatly around trees and posts, edge cleanly along walks and driveways, and even slice aggressively through tall weeds. Our latest tests also show that the best corded and cordless electric trimmers can do all three as well as some gas-powered models.

Leaf blowers

A leaf blower, also called a power blower, can take some of the grunt work out of clearing fallen leaves and other yard debris. Besides blowing, many handheld models can vacuum and shred what they pick up. Some communities are cracking down on blower noise so take that into consideration.

Great Gadget

Nice Little Gadget. Last month we added water to our in-ground swimming pool, but forgot to turn it off. The next morning, the patio was flooded, and we estimate we lost about $20.00 worth of city water. Had we had this timer then, it would have already paid for itself. It seems to be reliable, easy

Husqvarna Model 235 Chainsaw (35cc) with 16" Bar and Chain - HVF 235 16

husky 235

this is the first purchase of a small saw for me, WOW totaly sold on it. I use it every day on a large castle estate in the west of scotland, it is just superb nothing stops it. I would totaly recomend it as a five star saw.

Super Recycler Self-Propelled Mower 7 TP TORO OHV (21") #20381

Toro SR4 Super Recycler - 21"

I work on the grounds crew at a golf course (Warwick Hills - former home of the Buick Open) where all equipment is Toro and works well. My own mower was a Lawn Boy with a Honda GCV160 engine. I have to mow my lawn every 4 or 5 days and it still can't mulch the growth. After 2 to 4 passes, the g

48 Inch Coralife Aqualight Dual T5 Lamp High Output Fixture

Basic but Good

Replaced two older single bulb fixtures with the dual T5's, significantly brighter, and much better looking. Fixture is well constructed; housing and electrically. My only suggestion or complaint is that you can not individually control the lights; they are either both on, or both off.