The Considered Gardener's Kit

Created by daniel

The gardener who spends real time outside wants tools with provenance and clothes that hold their look after a full season. This list covers the complete kit — clogs to cutting tools — sourced from independent retailers carrying the Japanese and French workwear staples that serious gardeners actually reach for.

12 items4 sections

Work Clothes

Japanese Typewriter Cotton Gardening Chemise in Oxford Blue

Japanese Typewriter Cotton Gardening Chemise in Oxford Blue

$118

Meet the Gardening Chemise, a familiar cotton oxford style done in a very special cloth. “Typewriter” Cotton is a tightly woven cloth using a unique combination of both high and low twist yarns. The result is a super crisp cotton woven so tightly that it naturally repels water. All the while still being breathable and extremely comfortable. Remember those amazing sheets at that one hotel you keep trying to find….this shirt reminds us of those. For the our signature Gardening Chemise, we’ve taken this amazing fabric one step further and given the garment a hot water wash to ensure a laundered feel to keep it practical for the garden. Tortoise shell buttons, twin needle stitching throughout combined with french seaming, make this not only one of the most utilitarian shirts but also one of the most beautifully made. The oversized, relaxed fit ensures a polished just enough look and the range of motion needed for tackling days in and out of the garden. Details Unisex 100% Japanese Typewriter Cotton Single breast pocket French seams Pre-washed and pre-shrunk Natural tortoise shell buttons. Oversized, relaxed fit Size and Fit This style is boxy and oversized. Gardenheir understands that everyone wants their clothes to fit just so. For this reason, we’ve developed a detailed chart to assist. We’ve included “standard” men’s and women’s sizing as a reference along with garment measurements to make sure you get the fit you’re after

Le Laboureur French Moleskin Work Short in Ecru

Le Laboureur French Moleskin Work Short in Ecru

$118

A necessity in any garden wardrobe, the Le Laboureur wide leg work short will live up to any of your gardening demands. The thick cotton blend moleskin, useful for added durability and dirt resistance, is as hard wearing as it is hard working. Simply constructed but with great details throughout that you’ll appreciate. Medium rise waist with wide leg openings, and an elasticated back is comfortable and supportive. Includes a button fly, ample pockets, and reinforced stitching. What is Moleskin? Traditionally used in French workwear, moleskin is a densely woven fabric with a soft, sueded finish that offers exceptional durability and comfort. Unlike its name suggests, it's not made from animal skin—rather, it’s a heavyweight fabric that’s been brushed to achieve a smooth, almost velvety handfeel. Warm, wind-resistant, and built to last, it breaks in beautifully over time, developing a unique patina with wear. We are pleased to carry Le Laboureur, a small French family-owned brand producing traditional workwear since the 1950’s. Ever since, fashionmongers and gardeners alike have been drawn to their timeless shapes and practical use. Details Unisex 12 oz moleskin 5” inseam 67% cotton, 33% polyester Straight elasticated waistband with belt loops, Button fly front Triple stitched crotch 2 deep side pockets 1 ruler pocket 1 buttoned back pocket Made in France Size and Fit We recommend sizing up 1 waist size as these run lean. Gardenheir understands that everyone wants their clothes to fit just so. For this reason, we’ve developed a detailed chart to assist. We’ve included “standard” men’s and women’s sizing as a reference along with garment measurements to make sure you get the fit you’re after.

orSlow U.S. Army Fatigue Shirt in Green - 1

orSlow U.S. Army Fatigue Shirt in Green - 1

$275

orSlow U.S. Army Fatigue Shirt in Green. 100% Woven Cotton John is 5'11, usually a M/L, wearing a 3 Made in Japan Brand Style ID: ‭03-8045-16 OrSlow OrSlow, founded my Ichiro Nakatsu, has become globally renowned for pairing rugged construction with refied details. Inspired by Americana, denim is the brands hallmark. K

Cutting Tools

Niwaki Garden Shears

Niwaki Garden Shears

$138

Niwaki Standard Shears are the best choice for all around shears. They are simple, hard wearing & very sharp - great for hedges, shrubs and topiaries. The hard-wearing SK steel holds its edge and puts up with a bit of mistreatment here and there, while the white oak handles are the perfect length for everyday use with their subtle but satisfying bulges half way down, offering a subliminal hotspot for where best to hold them for optimal balance. Details 1.9 lb 22” L x 5.5” W x 1.1” H 7.3” blades SK steel Japanese White Oak handles Includes Vinyl Sheath Made in Sanjo, Japan

Niwaki Daikiba Secateurs with canvas Sheath

Niwaki Daikiba Secateurs with canvas Sheath

$64

These Daikiba secateurs are Niwaki's newest addition, and a perfectly practical one at that. Featuring SLD (semi-stainless) drop-forged steel, the blades hold their edge, sharpen up well, and crucially, resist rust unless completely neglected. This makes them lower maintenance than many other secateurs, and a great choice for users who may not always keep up with regular care.The substantial weight and feel is enhanced by the chunky bypass, which combined with the tapered, slightly elongated blade allows for both precise and powerful pruning - ideal for both woody and soft green cuts.  Daikiba Secateurs come without packaging, but instead with a Canvas Holster. Details: 8.8oz 8.1 x 2.3 x 0.9" 2.4" blades Max cut Ø0.6" SLD Carbon Steel 60 HRC Includes Canvas Holster Made in Japan

Felco #2 Classic Pruner

Felco #2 Classic Pruner

$69.50

Discover the Felco #2 Classic Pruner. Buy this product now on our Lee Valley online store.

Hand Tools

Sneeboer x Gardenheir Transplanting Trowel

Sneeboer x Gardenheir Transplanting Trowel

$80

This tool is part of the Sneeboer X Gardenheir collection. This limited range of tools combines Sneeboer’s timeless hand forged stainless steel with handsome brass details. The solid FSC certified ash wood handles of each tool are made a warm walnut color using eco friendly stain and engraved with a subtle Gardenheir logo. We are honored to collaborate with Sneeboer—the finest maker of hand made garden tools in the world. The transplanting trowel with a 5.9” blade and an ash wood handle is the perfect trowel for planting and almost all garden tasks. A favorite item! Details: Type of tool: Hand tool, trowel Function: Planting, potting Width of head: 3.8″ Length of head: 6” Length of handle: 5.6″ Weight: 0.53 lbs Hand forged stainless steel Eco Stained Ash wood handle Made in Holland

Hori Hori Japanese Trowel with Holster

Hori Hori Japanese Trowel with Holster

$76

Niwaki's Hori Hori Japanese trowel is an all-round weeder, bulb-planter supreme and general subterranean rummager. The carbon steel blade runs right into the handle, so it’s tough and strong (though not invincible — use it with care). Brilliant for planting bulbs, weeding and all sorts of gardening. The included durable canvas sheath helps keep the blade protected in your garden tool caddy.  We also sell a leather Long Holster that fits the Hori Hori Trowel perfectly.  Materials: carbon steel blade with a beech wood handle Made by: Niwaki Made in: Japan (canvas sheath is made in China) Specifications: 11 3/4" x 1 7/8"; sheath is 11 1/4" Care: After using, remove leaf residue, rust and gunk with a Crean Mate and water. Dry with a clean cloth and wipe with Camellia oil. Store in a dry place.  You can keep your snips working properly by remembering the following:  Japanese steel is hard and sharp, and can be more brittle than some people are used to - it will chip if abused Do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material (even bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially knots and burrs, can damage steel edges) Do not twist or apply uneven pressure Cut diagonally across branches (not straight across) so you cut along the fibres Use the base of the blade, not the tip, for heavier cuts Although considerably stronger than a regular trowel, the mighty hori hori is not completely invincible. Don’t stick it in to heavy soil and yank back hard…it’s much more efficient used in an in-and-out action. Further Reading: Niwaki (knee-whacky) means garden tree. In Japan, gardens are both landscapes and microcosms of nature. Shaping and caring for these landscapes is an art form, and having the correct tools is essential. Niwaki’s tools exemplify the good design and quality construction that we look for as purveyors. 

Red Pig Garden Tools Trowel

Red Pig Garden Tools Trowel

$45

Red Pig Garden Tools Trowel The mid-size trowel is made for several lifetimes of service.   It' is 3" wide and has a shank of 7/16" diameter rod. Designed for heavy duty planting and weeding. This trowel is suitable for people with mid-sized hands and average strength. The trowels are flat to start with and then cupped. The measurement is from the backside of the trowel, not across the front.  Dimensions: - Overall length: 14.5" - Blade: 6½" x 2¾" - 12.6 ounces  Red Pig offers a lifetime warranty on all products.  All Red Pig tools can be sharpened by hand using a file, and have been tested by real world use for many years by expert gardeners.  About Red Pig Tools: Red Pig makes the highest quality garden tools in the United States the old fashioned way...by hand. They use steel, fire, anvil, American hickory and ash handles, and good, honest sweat. These handcrafted garden tools are stronger, sharper, and will last longer than any others you can buy, and they are made right here in Oregon, USA.