When it comes to new products to water the lawn and garden, consumers have moved upscale.
“People used to look for low-priced products, but now there is a trend toward upscale products that last longer,” says Tom Oyler, director of product management at the Gilmour Group. Explains Kerry LePage, a spokesperson for Aquapore Moisture Systems, “People are becoming more particular because they don’t have time anymore for endless shopping and they don’t want to have to replace the hose or the nozzle at the beginning of every season.”
Quality means not only a product that will last a long time, but also one that has specific features. “Ease of use is important,” says Dale Maza, product manager for Melnor Inc. “People want products that will do the job better and that don’t require an immense amount of instruction to be able to understand how to use them.” He says that this trend parallels the graying of America.
As people grow older, they get more and more involved in lawn care and gardening, so products are being designed with them in mind. “Since it’s harder for them to see, and it’s not as easy to manipulate things as it used to be, if a product has a lever, it has to be simple and obvious to use without having to sit down and put on glasses and read the instructions,” Maza says. Of course features that make products user-friendly for senior citizens are also a boon for people of any age.
In addition, new nozzles and sprinklers have been developed with spray patterns to maximize the efficiency of water distribution. “Water is becoming more expensive and it is a resource we have to conserve,” Maza says, “so products have features that allow you to use water in an economic way without letting it run down the drain or the sidewalk or into a ditch.”
The prices listed for products featured are suggested retail prices. You can contact the listed manufacturers for help in finding a retailer in your area that carries a specific item.
Adjustable spray
Melnor has expanded its line of durable, all-metal Heritage Edition products. New items include the Square Pattern Pulsator (Model 3980), which can be adjusted to spray in a variety of patterns to cover just the area needing water and no more. Possible sprinkling patterns include a large and small square, an L shape, a rectangle and a large and small triangle. The spray also can be adjusted from a fine mist to a jet stream.
The Industrial Aqua-Gun Nozzle (Model 469C) in the Heritage Edition line is ergonomically designed with a front trigger that is easy to use for long periods. With a single turn, the solid brass nozzle adjusts from a fine spray to a jet stream. The handle of the nozzle is insulated from the cold or the heat of the water.
In addition, Melnor has introduced a solid brass hose connector set (Model 45C). All Heritage Edition products are guaranteed “for as long as you own your home.” Prices: $43.35 for the Square Pattern Pulsator, $23.35 for the Industrial Aqua-Gun Nozzle and $7.35 for the Hose Connector Set. Melnor Inc., One Carol Place, Moonachie, N.J. 07074-1386. Phone: 800-526-4631.
Crushproof
The Delta-Flex rubber and vinyl hose from Flexon has crushproof and leakproof features. A specially designed male coupling is molded into the hose to prevent leakage. When the hose is stepped on or driven over it returns to its original shape. A hose protector at the other end has a spring-like action that prevents water pinch-off at the faucet. The hose carries a lifetime guarantee. Price: $19.95. Flexon Industries, One Flexon Plaza, Newark, N.J. 07114. No phone inquiries.
Controlled sprinklers
Two new sprinklers from the Gilmour Group are designed for easy use and even, efficient coverage. The Advanced Variable Oscillator Model AVO4 has adjustment dials to control the flow of the water in four directions. According to the manufacturer, a special motor provides smooth, hesitation-free oscillation. The Advanced Turbine Rotor Model ATR5D is designed to offer silent, smooth operation at low or high water pressures. It has easy-to-use distance and rotation controls. Price: $39.99 for Model AVO4, $20.69 for Model ATR5D. Gilmour Group, P.O. Box 838, Somerset, Pa. 15501-0838. Phone: 800-458-0107.
Creative watering
The Dancing Waters rotor DWR-2001-CR delivers a pattern that is not only efficient but attractive, too. Twelve water streams are distributed in a circular horizontal pattern while six center streams pulsate vertically for even water coverage. The base has rounded corners for safety, especially for children running through the water. Rain Bird also has introduced a rotor sprinkler called Streaming Waters (Model SWR-3001) with adjustable patterns. Price: $30 for either model. Rain Bird, 7590 Britannia Court, San Diego, Calif. 92173. Phone: 800-435-5672.
Easy connection
The Gardena Deluxe Multi-Purpose Trigger Nozzle is a durable, easy-to-handle product designed for all sorts of outdoor watering jobs. It has four spray patterns: a hard jet stream, a flat jet stream, a shower spray and a unique aerator soft flow for use on delicate plants. Its special connector makes it easy to attach to a hose with just a push and a click. Price: $20. Aquapore Moisture Systems Inc., 610 S. 80th Ave., Phoenix, Ariz. 85043. Phone: 800-635-8379.
Easy storage
The Hose King Hose Reel from Ames Lawn and Garden Tools is a compact, cassette-style hose reel for convenient storage. The ergonomic design of the handle makes the reel easy to transport. It comes complete with a 65-foot-long hose equipped with a pistol nozzle that adjusts from a gentle spray to a powerful stream. Price: $55. Ames Lawn and Garden Tools, P.O. Box 1774, Parkersburg, W. Va. 26102. Phone: 800-624-2654.
