New cool products for the gardener

In the garden and in life, I'm always on the lookout for both the practical and the unusual. Pretty much anything that lightens my workload or makes me feel hip gets high marks. This spring, a few new products have earned their way on to my must-have list.

Silverware Plant Markers

These recycled vintage silver-plated pieces will add a charming touch to your garden that simply can't be achieved with plastic sticks and permanent markers. Crafty artist Allison Cecil, who collects them, will custom engrave each fork, knife or spoon with the plant name or words of your choice. ($8 each at monkeysalwayslook.etsy.com)

The Gardener's Hollow Leg

Sling this fabric bag over your hip and you'll never have to bend over to pick up piles of weeds or clippings again. The 23-inch-deep bag has a 10-inch ring supporting its opening for easy hands-free access when deadheading, pruning, or harvesting, and even has a pocket for storing your cell phone or music player. The adjustable belt expands from 30 to 52 inches, and the bag holds more than 5 gallons. Available for $24.95 at the gardenershollowleg.com for $24.95.

Sky planter

Part plant pot, part architectural design element, this indoor upside-down planter not only captures attention, it reduces watering needs by up to 80 percent, saves time because the self-watering reservoir needs to be refilled only once or twice a month, saves floor space, and, well, looks pretty darn cool. Sky planters are available in two styles, three sizes and your choice of black or white. Available at aplusrstore.comcq for $25, $35 and $75.

Packing pearls

If you've grown plants in large containers, you're familiar with how difficult they can be to move. When these featherweight polystyrene balls are added to the bottom of containers, you'll use less potting soil, which often goes to waste in big pots because it's too deep for roots to reach anyway. In addition to reducing the weight of containers, packing pearls can keep plants healthier by improving water drainage. And unlike ordinary packing peanuts, these do not leach toxic chemicals into soil as they decompose, and they don't become compressed, even after years of use. The starter kit includes a "universal drain shield" that fits over the hole at the bottom of the pot and a liner that separates the pearls from the soil to keep things neat. Available in two sizes, $19.99 for medium (for pots up to 16 inches wide) and $29.99 for large (for pots up to 22 inches wide). Available at packingpearls.com.

Vermont Nature Creations

Who says your house has to look like a laboratory when you root your cuttings? This copper-framed Victorian plant rooter is just one of some 30 styles of vessels in which to grow your babies. Some are made of stained glass, others are glass-bead adorned, and there are double and triple units, too. Hang one right in your kitchen window and watch your ivy, spider plants, herbs, etc., grow. Priced from $8 to $45.95 at vermontnaturecreations.com.

New gardening gloves

I usually don't wear gloves in the garden because their bulk slows me down. I have the dirty fingernails to prove it. But technology seems to be improving, and manufacturers are designing gloves with more features and comfort. And that's a good thing, because if they're not comfortable, nobody's going to wear them. Here are two I'll actually use:

Cool Mud Glove: Aloe Health

These sleek, super-comfortable seamless gloves almost feel like support stockings slipped over your hands. They're water-repellent and machine washable and dryable. What's more, the "cool" refers to the breathable, air-infused, nitrile-coated fabric that's designed to keep you comfortable under the hot summer sun. Plus, UV protection and aloe moisturizers are built in to help keep skin soft. Available in glacier blue, arctic mint and mountain lilac. $6.99$ at littlesgoodgloves.com.

Barbara's Way long gardening gloves

Barbara's Way has partnered with Isotoner, and together, the home improvement company and winter glove experts have developed a very comfortable and practical gardening glove. These are light and thin, and fit snugly without interfering with the task at hand. At the same time, the finger and palm areas are reinforced for protection from thorns and prickles. The sleeves can be raised or lowered depending on how much protection is needed, and the gloves are available in a purple, chartreuse and hot pink. $14.99 at homedepot.com.

What's new in your garden? Talk dirt with Jessica Damiano during a live chat at noon Monday, April 5 at newsday.com/gardendetective