Essential gear for the tropical gardener

Not exactly for the best-dressed girl about town, but I couldn't do without these.

There seems to be no shortage of "sharp" things growing in a hot climate and these long sleeved, leather welder's gloves are just the ticket for tackling an unruly bougainvillea or thinning out vicious bromeliads. I found these at a yard sale ($1!), and they've proven invaluable.

The pantyhose/tights were given to me by the woman who runs my favorite thrift store. I cut them into smaller lengths and use them to tie orchids, ferns and small (friendly) bromeliads to palm and tree trunks. They stretch as the trunk expands and can be cut off when the plant has firmly attached itself.

A cool tool for opening coconuts

A few months ago, I saw one of these simple and efficient little gadgets used to open coconuts, and knew I needed one. I have four highly productive coconut palms, but we don't benefit from their fruit because it's such a hassle opening them up. (We once resorted to an electric drill, which, while successful, made a mess of the bit. And no way am I employing the traditional machete method).

These are made in Brazil and were being sold on eBay for $25. The business end is pushed into the coconut (where it attached to the stem), twisted and pulled out.

I asked for one for Christmas and it just arrived (better late than never), but I have yet to actually try it; I can't reach any of the ripe coconuts and none have fallen in the last couple of days. Stay tuned ...