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If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

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Craft Project: Storage Box For Pressed Flowers

I found this to be a great place to store and organize all my pressed flowers. When I was doing a project I would just pull the whole drawer out, place it on the table and it's all right at my fingertips. On smaller projects I'd just pull the drawers out partially.

On the inside flap I recorded useful information for myself and even tested some pressed flowers by gluing them there. Later down the road I would see if the flowers had faded. I made this box 12 years ago, when I was fully into the craft. Hope my memory serves me correctly! The pictures give a good idea of what you have to do. I'll guide you through it. Measurements will differ because your box might be different in size.

Craft Project: Storage Box For Pressed Flowers

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April (Siberian Husky)

April is a 4 year old Siberian Husky. My son bought her on Father's Day for my husband. We all fell in love at first sight! She loves taking walks, playing fetch with her ball and rubber bone, and absolutely loves blizzards and diving in the snow.

By Deb from East Brunswick, NJ

April (Siberian Husky)

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Garden: GG Vi's Photos

Here are a few pictures, not too much blooming yet. But I'll be looking for some good shots this summer.

Enjoy, GG Vi

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Garden: Florida Roses

The rose garden is in full bloom right now in mid April and here is a partial view of the Don Juan climbing roses, knock out roses, and in the forefront the pale pink roses are the Carefree Beauty.

The second photo is a close up view of the Fourth of July climbing rose. This rose starts out solid dark red the first day, the second day the rose has pinkish stripes in it and the 3rd and 4th day the rose has white stripes going through it. The roses are in clusters of 3-5 each and they bloom only on the ends of the stalks. Quite beautiful to see in person.l

Don Juan roses are so beautiful when they are in bloom. Some of the flowers are 4 inches across and are deep blood red. The do acquire black spot quite frequently but most of the time I just ignore it.

The last photo is a close up view of the Don Juan climbing roses. These roses are dark blood red in color even though my camera doesn't show it.

By Carol L Craig from Spring Hill FL

Garden: Florida Roses

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Craft Project: Recycled Bird Feeder

Recycle and create a pretty Spring Bird Feeder from used McDonald's Happy Meal Bucket and Plastic Mayonnaise Jar.

Craft Project: Recycled Bird Feeder

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Gardening: Pocketbook Plant

This little beauty will add a big splash of color to any garden inside or outside. It is called a "Pocketbook" plant. It is a member of the Ladyslipper family and comes in various colors.

Keep all the "spent" blooms picked off and discard carefully washing hands after, as this plant could be dangerous if ingested by humans or animals.

Source: Bought on at a local plant nursery

By Sue Hinely from Ludowici, GA

Gardening: Pocketbook Plant

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Tip Contest
Submit a Tip or Recipe!
Photo Contest
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These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

My Frugal Life
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Maypole Dancing
By Debra Frick

This dance is a tradition on May 1st - May Day. It is danced in celebration of spring. Many years ago I researched May Pole Dancing for a teacher I was working with that wanted to teach the children the dance. I recently found the directions that I had copied from an old book I found at the library. When we built our maypole, we used a long PVC pipe that was about 5-6 inches in diameter so that we could attach the steamers so that they were taped to the inside of the pipe. We used plastic party streamers which we pretty wide and were pretty sturdy. Ours was about 12 feet of pipe with about 3 feet buried in the ground. One of the mothers made a beautiful silk flower bouquet that we used to decorate the top.

We used a tape of Celtic music with bag pipes and flutes but really any folk music could be used. There are many CDs now available with English and Irish folk songs that you can buy even at Walmart. Two groups that I love but don't know what nationality they are are Blackmore's Night and Enya. They both have songs that reflect the spirit of Spring but go with what ever you like.

The dancers will be weaving the ribbons down the maypole. It is a beautiful circular dance. I have included instructions for older children and younger children and parents. It may take a few practice runs but the dance is relatively simple to learn.

An even number of participants take a ribbon (12 - 20 traditionally, but you can do this with even 6 kids if you make the pole smaller in diameter). Hold the ribbon taut but don't pull. Count off "'1",' "2"' around the circle (every other person is a 'One'). For 'Ones', the 'Two' on your left is your partner. For 'Twos' the 'One' on your right is your partner.

After 8 counts of music, everyone bows to the pole for 4 counts, then bows to their partner for 4 counts.

Everyone skips toward the pole for 8 counts.

Everyone skips back for 8 counts.

Side step to the right for 8 counts.

Side step to the left for 8 counts.

Turn to your partner and begin to weave. 'Ones' hold ribbon in right hand and begin weaving by going under their partner's ribbon. Alternate going over and under with each person you pass. 'Twos' hold ribbon in left hand and begin weaving by holding ribbon up 'over' their partner as they pass. Alternate going under and over with each person you pass. (It helps to mentally say 'over, under' to yourself to stay on track).

The second time you meet your partner, stop.

All skip into the maypole for 8 counts.

All skip out for 8 counts.

Turn in the opposite direction ('Ones' will now go counter-clockwise and 'Twos' will go clockwise) and begin unweaving. 'Ones' will start by going over and 'Twos' will start by going under. Travel around the pole until you meet your partner for the 2nd time and stop.

Ribbons are un-woven.

Everyone side steps to the right for 8 counts

Everyone side steps to the left for 8 counts

Lift your ribbons high and let them go!

Maypole dance for younger children

Everyone take a ribbon

Bow to the pole

Skip into the pole (8 counts)

Skip out (8 counts)

Turn to the left and begin to skip round the maypole

Skip around 3 or 4 times until the pole is wrapped ' way.

Skip into the pole (8 counts)

Skip out (8 counts)

Turn to the right and skip round the maypole until the pole is unwrapped.

Skip into the pole (8 counts)

Skip out (8 counts)

Hold your ribbon up and let it fly!

Even simpler:

Everyone take a ribbon

All turn to the left and skip around the maypole until it is half way wrapped

Skip into the maypole

Skip out

All turn to the right and skip around the maypole until it is unwrapped.

Hold the ribbons high and then let them fly!

Happy May Day

Let your hearts be gay,
To the music let your hearts sway,
Spring flowers are on their way.

Maypole Dancing

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Watering Your Plants When You Are On Vacation

Going on Vacation? Well, here's an easy way to make sure your indoor plants stay watered while you're away. Save small empty bottles like the kind that hold Benadryl, cough syrup or liquid ibuprofen. Start by thoroughly watering your plants then after cutting the bottom of the plastic bottles off with a serrated knife, razor blade or scissors then bury the bottles upside down several inches into the soil. These tiny bottles will release water gradually as your plants need it. You can use 16 oz. water bottles for large plants, or big 2 litter plastic pop bottles for outdoor plants.

By Cyinda

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Use Hand Soap Pump for Dish Washing Liquid

When my kids were little they liked to help with the dishes and it seemed that they always used too much dish soap. Well I finally solved the problem. I purchased hand soap in the pump bottle and when it was empty I filled it with dish soap. I wish I would have thought of the years ago but it comes in handy when you only have a few dishes to do or when my little neighbor comes to help.

By Liz from Speed, IN

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Ways To Hide Bra Straps

To keep bra straps hidden, I have recommended the double stick tape (sometimes called "fashion tape" or such) between the dress and bra strap. You can even add a piece again between the skin and the strap-package.

A better idea, that is more re-useable, would be to sew in the oval spring clip type hair clips (child sizes) with a loose tack (so it moves a bit). Can be fastened with one hand and is always ready in the dress/shirt.

Source: Clips were my brainstorm after those little snap-things drove me crazy.

By OrahLee from Tucson, AZ

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Time to Change Your AC Filter

Don't forget to change (or clean, depending on the type) your filters for your AC before you turn it on this season. A clean filter not only saves you money, but it also cuts down on colds and virus.

If you are plan to purchase a new AC system, check the with your electric company or the website for the manufacturer first for any rebates.

By mom-from-missouri from NW Missouri

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Save Grease for Suet

I am an avid bird feeder. In the winter I save my grease drippings, mix them with seed and pour them in a paper milk container. Put it in the fridge to harden and once hardened tare off the paper. I save my net onion bags and hang the home made suet in them for the birds.

apm127 from Long Beach

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Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Products

I suffer from Celiac Disease, an allergy to wheat, rye and barley. This means store bought cookies, cakes, breads, etc. are out. I have found that at Ocean State Job Lot, they sell a number of Gluten-Free products including an assortment of flours and mixes under the name of Bob's Red Mill. They were a lot cheaper than grocery stores that sell the same mixes.

Good Luck,

Brian

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Soak Okra Seeds Overnight Before Planting

To quick start your okra seeds, soak them overnight before you plant them. They will sprout much sooner.

Source: Trick we used in our garden when I was growing up in the South.

By Sandy from Elon, NC

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Fun Leftovers With Mystery Dinners

Here's a great way to use leftovers that is a lot of fun for kids. When our kids were young, every so often we'd have a Mystery Dinner. The older kids were allowed to use whatever was in the refrigerator or pantry. They could also cook simple things--hard-boiled eggs, etc. They made up 'menus' to order from; but each item had a disguised name. Those of us not preparing the food sat at the table and ordered 3 or 4 things from the menu.

When our food arrived, we started comparing what each person had ordered, trying to figure out what the disguised name was so we could order our favorites for seconds.

Sometimes our sneaky kids informed us that the only thing that was a given was plate or bowl. We had to try to figure out which things on the menu were eating utensils. A person trying to eat soup with a knife provided a good many laughs.

Mystery Dinners were not only a fun way to use leftovers, but were sometimes used as a way to get out of cooking when I'd had a really busy day!

By Judy from northern Michigan

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Salvation Army Soymilk Maker

I got a SoyQuick soymilk maker at the Salvation Army for $6.99. What a find! I make my own soymilk in 13 minutes. It's very easy to use the appliance and easy to clean the appliance if you clean it immediately after using.

Soybeans are very cheap in the bulk section of Chamberlin's Natural Food Store. The icara (remains after making the milk) is also edible. Making brown rice milk is faster because you don't soak the rice like you do the beans. I know I was lucky to get my soymilk machine so cheaply. Soymilk machines usually cost over $100, but I would buy one because I drink and use a lot of soymilk. It is so nice not to have to run to the store when I am running low.

By SusannL

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

A friend was laid up at home with the flu. His fiancee called and volunteered to come over and fix dinner and play nursemaid to him. He declined, not wanting to pass on the flu to her.

"Okay honey", she told him, "I'll wait till after we get married. Then we can spend the rest of our lives making each other sick!"

Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor

Green Rainbow Tea Ideas

I need ideas for decorating a table in the color of green for a tea party.

By bernadette from Jacksonville, NC

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Restringing a Wind Chime

I have a wind chime that I love. The strings holding it together and the wooden part that holds the strings fell apart from dry rot. I cut the strings to keep the metal chimes. How can I restring it and provide a holding for the string? I have no access to a saw. Thank you.

By Joan Vance from Cedar Bluff, VA

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Keeping Moths Away from House

Does anyone have a suggestion how to keep the moths, etc. from flying around my screen door? In order to let my dogs in or out, I have to have kept the light off in that room and the outside patio light off for at least a half hour or there will be tons of flying insects battling to get in! I have the same problem with the front and side doors.

By Cricket from Parkton, NC

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What is This Plant?

What kind of plant is this?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

By lucille from Rockland, ME

What is This Plant?

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Wooden Pom Pom Maker

Does anyone have an old time Pom Pom maker, approx. 7 in. x 2 in.? It is made of wood, with 2 small dowels at either end. Between the dowels are sections of wood. Short pieces of yarn are inserted between the sections, long yarn wraps around dowels, then you pull yarn piece over to tie. When tied, a sharp knife cuts through the yarn between the same sections, creating the Pom Pom. I have used most of the new Pom makers and am not satisfied with any. This item would be circa 1950-1960's. If we can see a pic my husband can recreate. Thanks!

By Ann from Gainesville, FL

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Processing and Selling Spanish Moss

How do you clean and sanitize Spanish moss? How can I locate a buyer?

By Sandra

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Photos of Babies Inside Flowers (Anne Geddes)

Does anyone have the name of the woman who had taken pictures of babies inside flowers, vegetables, ect.? These were such cute pictures of little babies. Please help me remember her name. Thank you for your help.

By JSRS443 from East TX

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Dog Chewed on Heel of Shoe

My dog chewed the heel of my favorite dress sandal. Is there a way to fix or cover up the teeth marks?

By carol from Kansas City, MO

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Turning a Fan into an Air Conditioner

Does anyone have any ideas on how to turn my fan into an air cooler? Inexpensively, obviously. I need them to do more than just blow the hot air around, I need them to blow cool air around. I've tried hanging Blue Ice in front of them but it didn't work.

By Cricket from Parkton, NC

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Using Baby Yarn to Make Adult Sweaters

Does anyone have any patterns for adult size (XL) sweaters using baby yarn? I've made shawls, but want a sweater made from it.

By Cricket from Parkton, NC

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Getting Rid of Thousand Leggers

How do I get rid of thousand leggers in my country home? We bought a new, very nice double wide to put on our farm. It is partially in a wooded area, but not completely. We are only there about 2 weeks a month. We find thousand leggers around the edges of the carpet, sometimes in the bathtubs or almost anywhere. How can we get rid of them? Our farm is in Green County, Kentucky.

By charlotte from Louisville, KY

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Removing Tree Sap from a Vinyl Awning

How can I remove tree sap on a vinyl awning? It is on a Travel Trailer. We were able to clean the top, but the under side is vinyl and we think it has tree sap on it where it is rolled up when not in use.

By Vickie from Longs, SC

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Making a Paperclip Angel

I am trying to find the paper clips for the angel. Can you please tell me where to look? I've looked everywhere.

By LATASHA from East Liverpool, OH

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Buying a Commercial Can Opener

Where can I get a commercial can opener on sale? I cannot open large cans of food with my opener. Thanks.

By kathleen williams

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Photina Hedges Losing Leaves

I have a row of red tip Photina hedges that are losing their leaves rather rapidly. Most years they stay evergreen with the red tips and may occasionally shed a few leaves. I just noticed they are almost bare now and beginning to look rather dead. What could be the problem? Should I cut them back in hopes they'll regrow? They are over 4 years old and at least 7' tall if not taller. Thanks for your input.

Hardiness Zone: 9a

By Nelwyn Mills from Bunkie, LA

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Terra Cotta Pot Garden Men

How do you make garden men out of large terra cotta pots?

By Darlene Miller from OH

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Buying a New Car Vs. a Used Car

I just found out that my car is burning oil through the motor so I started saving for a new car. I am not getting far being a single mom, working and going to school full time. I can't decide whether to go used or buy new. The thought of having a new car with little to no issues sounds like the good way to go. Or I could go used and have no clue yet have little to no car payment. Any advise or maybe a suggestion of a trust worthy dealership in my area?

By amanda from Rochester, NY

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What Breed is My Dog?

I was wondering if you guys could offer a bit of input. This little dog was hit by a car in front of our home a few weeks ago, and being a vet tech for years I brought him in to make sure he was OK. I had to cut his moldy collar out of his long, matted fur and he had cuts and wounds all over, mostly bites from other dogs. He had obviously been out on his own for ages, as he was skinny as a rail and covered up with ticks and fleas.

Well I did all I could to find the owner but to no avail, my posters had no impact nor did the ad in the paper, so Rehab is now a part of our family. Out of curiosity, I was wondering if any of you could perhaps help me determine what breed he is? He is barely 4 lbs at the most, even now that he has gained a all of his weight back and is healthy. I am leaning towards Chihuahua-Schnauzer or Chi-Poodle, judging by his coat which I unfortunately had to completely shave off, as you can see from the picture.

It was in no shape to be 'fixed', it will just have to grow back out I'm afraid. It is longer, more wirey than smooth, and has a bit of wave to it, though not a lot. He has the eyebrows and 'beard' of the schnauzer, and the hair on the ears and feet is long and feathered. The color is definitely a salt-and-pepper. Any ideas? Thanks.

By Grace from NC

What Breed is My Dog?

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Fiberglass Tub Has Yellowed

How do you make a yellowed fiberglass shower look white again? Mine is 22 yrs. old. At one time I used Gel Gloss for boats. Nothing seems to work now.

By rmm9356 from Buffalo, NY

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What are Nespresso Discs?

The necklace I speak of uses Nespresso discs and it looked beautiful. I have never heard of these Nespresso things so I was hoping someone can tell me. Thank you.

By Vivian Dinsmore from Melbourne, FL

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Paint Colors to Brighten a Bathroom

I have a small bathroom with no window. The walls are a pale yellow that makes the room seem dim when the 4 big round bulb fixtures above the mirror reflect off it. I'm looking to remodel this into a beach themed bathroom. I plan to replace the counter and the doors with an off white, tannish colored top and doors.

What color would help brighten the room and go along with this theme? I'm aiming for a blue/teal that's a few shades from white but just enough to tell its blue. I am really trying to brighten the room but not have it all be white and coordinate well together. What color do you think helps brighten a no-window room?

By Amber from FL

Paint Colors to Brighten a Bathroom

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Whitening a Discolored Tooth

I had foot surgery many years ago. I bit down on the tube and the nerve in my tooth was damaged. Now my tooth is yellowish-brown. Not very attractive at all. Any ideas on how to make it whiter without going to the dentist. They told me a porcelain overlay would be $1000 because they would have to blend in my other teeth. I hate it and do not like to smile much. Help.

By wacky camper

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Hatching a Goose Egg

I found a goose nest with 6 eggs in it. My boss told me to throw them off the boat but instead, I gave 5 to my friend and one I kept. We had just seen the mom earlier. I am keeping the egg wrapped in 2 blankets and a human heating pad on low. Do you think it is still alive? What should I do? I do not have an incubator.

By Dallas from Knoxville, TN

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Painting a Bird Bath

I want to paint a bird bath. What kind of paint should I use? Are paints non-toxic?

By kay from Williamsburg, VA

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Holding On to Paid Bills

Why hold on to paid bills?

By Tammy Fuller from Las Cruces, NM

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Making Shirts Longer

I have several tops which seem to be a bit too short. I was wondering if there was a way to lengthen these tops without it looking like a tacked on after-thought? I probably shouldn't have bought them in the first place but I have put on a bit of weight and they look terrible on me.

By Sharyl from Australia

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Planning a Reunion

I want to plan a reunion. Everyone is within 50 miles of the reunion site. What are some ideas on food? Should I do burgers and have everyone bring sides and drinks or would it be easier for everyone to bring a covered dish.

By sheila from Atlanta, GA

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Reviews of Power Strips

Can someone give me suggestions for power strips for saving electricity?

By karen from lakeville ma

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Homemade Rawhide Bones

Has anyone tried to make their own rawhide bones for their dogs? We get them on occasion for rainy days and when we want to make sure they are occupied while we are busy. They are so expensive and our shorthairs chew them up in no time at all. When we are outside we do get them cow knees and such that last a lot longer, but I don't want them in my house! We would probably make them once a year from deer hide or possibly try to get some hide from a locker near by. Any suggestions would be good.

By Jen Hummell from Shellsburg, IA

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Wedding and Reception Locations in Bay Area, CA

I am getting married in 2010 and I would really like to find a venue that can accommodate an outside wedding and inside reception all in the same place. I need to stay under 1$0,000 for the whole wedding. Any ideas?

By brandi from East Bay Area, CA

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

The Well-Equipped Garden Shed: 10 Essential Tools
By Ellen Brown

Gardening tasks are a lot easier to accomplish when you are using the right tool for the job. However, with so many tools and gadgets on the market, it can be confusing to know which ones are really worth your hard earned cash. Here are 10 tools every gardener with a garden shed should have.

10 Tools Every Gardener Should Have

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