The twelve finalists for the garden product of the year have been announced and will go forward to compete for the top prize at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May.
The award recognises the best new garden gadgets, with entries judged on criteria including innovation, visual appeal, functionality, quality, value for money and environmental sustainability.
Among innovative products to make the shortlist are a dual functioning barbecue and outdoor heater, a custom-made rock stream complete with its own water system, and fruit tree sleeves, made of fine mesh netting to tie over a branch to protect ripening fruit from birds.
There’s also an ingenious weed puller, a new organic, peat-free bulb compost, a pruner you can use with one hand and a waterproof outdoor sofa.
The 2018 prize will be awarded at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, chosen by a team of experts including entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den investor Deborah Meaden.
“Every year the calibre of designs gets better and better,” she said.
