Garb For Gardening
by Dawn Oldfield, CCMGA Public Relations Chairperson
My Great-Grandma Bostwick, my gardening angel, was a no-nonsense kind of woman. She ruled the roost with a strict sense of order and routine, which carried over into the garden. She rose before the sun every morning, braided and coiled her long, snow-white hair into a bun, and donned a perfectly pressed dress, cotton stockings, and pinafore-style apron. She was ready to start the day after a cup of hot, strong coffee and a hearty breakfast.
Once household chores were done, she headed outside to tend the garden. She'd pause on the back porch to gather her gardening essentials. A straw hat was placed squarely on her head to keep the sun out of her pale blue eyes. Rubber galoshes were slipped over her sturdy shoes to prevent them from getting dirty or wet. A beautifully embroidered handkerchief was placed in her apron pocket to dab sweat from her brow (she was a lady, after all!), and a crock containing the coffee grounds she'd added eggshells to before brewing each morning was tucked under her arm to scatter around the tomatoes, peppers, and beans. I'm not sure what the egg shells did for the coffee flavor, but Texas AgriLife Extension says that coffee grounds provide a small amount of nitrogen to the soil.
Great Grandma was not a fancy woman, but she was a stickler on what was suitable attire to wear in public and what was not, including the garden. Now, you will never find me weeding in a dress and stockings like my great-grandmother, nor will I prune looking like a model in a magazine ad wearing a starched white shirt and pearls, with chicly coiffed hair. Regrettably, my gardening style tends to be "shabby without the chic". My usual garb is baggy shorts or sweatpants paired with a ratty t-shirt and hair up in a haphazard ponytail. I imagine Grandma shaking her head and saying, "You look like a ragamuffin Dawn."
Grandma was probably right. You don't want to entertain the neighbors with inappropriate or ugly attire, nor do you want to ruin a good outfit. Clothes worn for gardening should be both practical and stylish while at the same time being comfortable and easy to clean. Fortunately for me and the rest of you ragamuffins out there, several retail and online stores have debuted some really cute clothing for gardeners that can actually be worn in the garden and in public without causing great familial embarrassment!
Before worrying about clothing, ensure you have the essential lotions and potions on hand. Did you know you can get sunburned through a cotton shirt? Start with a good sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 (preferably higher) for the best protection. Choose a fragrance-free brand so as not to attract bees or other insects. "Eau de Off" is my signature perfume for working outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control recommends using an insect repellent that contains DEET. Apply to exposed skin and on clothing to deter mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile Virus, ticks, as well as the nemesis to every Texas gardener – Chiggers! These little bugs have a big bite!
So, what is the best attire for gardeners and 'yardners'? For starters, you need a great hat! A visor or baseball cap will work in a pinch, but a straw hat is ideal for covering your head on a hot, sunny Texas day. The wide brim will protect your face and neck from sunburn and diminish the summer sun's intense heat.
Ensure the shirts, shorts, or pants you choose for working in the yard are comfortable and loose. Select a fabric made from 100% cotton or a moisture-wicking material, as you want them to breathe. Nothing is worse than tight clothing. It restricts movement and sticks to your skin, making you feel even sweatier and hotter. Many clothing brands offer seasonal shirts in fashionable styles that not only wick away moisture but incorporate SPF sun protection in the fabric. Long sleeves will protect you from sunburn and insects, too.
When it comes to britches, denim is a good, durable and washable choice. However, some of the best pants and shorts are made of lightweight, sturdy fabrics, with a drawstring or a bit of elastic in the waistband to ensure a good fit when bending or stooping. An apron (available at most craft stores) with pockets is a must for gardeners. It protects the front of your clothes, and the pockets allow you to keep gloves, tools, water bottles, and other supplies handy.
Minimize blisters when digging, raking, or pruning with gloves.
Choose different styles for different tasks. I won't go near thorny plants without my leather rose gauntlet gloves. This style protects hands and forearms from the nastiest of prickly plants. Cotton gloves are breathable, lightweight, inexpensive, and keep your hands clean while digging in the dirt or pulling weeds. Spandex or rubber gloves are designed for outdoor use and are a good waterproof option to protect hands from cold or damp conditions.
Don't forget your feet! The right shoes are essential to every outfit and occasion. Flip-flops are great for the beach, but when it comes to working in the garden, they just don't cut it. They offer no support nor protect your tootsies from thorns, insects, snakes, or sharp edging. Slip-resistant clogs or Wellington boots are my go-to choice. They are sturdy and easy to slip on and off if I need to run in the house. "Wellies" are available in various colors and patterns and are essential footwear to keep feet warm and dry when walking on wet or muddy ground. Wear steel toed work boots when mowing the lawn or using a chain saw to protect feet from the sharp blades.
Feel good and look good from spring first planting to fall final harvest and season's in-between chores. Wearing comfortable, fashionable, and functional clothes will make working in the garden a more pleasurable experience. Your great-grandma will approve.
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