Help me find a tool

On Gardener's World Monty had a new toy - he called it a tulip planter, but it was a wide, completely flat spade. I've tried Googling but I can't find one. It'd ideal for digging a trench beside my path so can anybody tell me where I can get one?

Thanks

 

A De Wit perennial planter? I didn't see the program, but they are flat and a bit tulip shaped, been looking at some of their tools recently, but most aren't available in the UK.

 

Hi merle

I did see the programme, not seen one exactly like that in the flesh, but I can imagine that is a specialist and rather expensive bit of equipment, looked rather 'gadgetty' to me rather than have any added practical application beyond a normal flat-faced, squared-off end, spade.

You can use a flat spade to do the same job for a normal amount of cash outlay. Search for flat spade in appropriate online places. I've got two almost-flat faced spades, both with a squared-off end, both a bit old, one is a Spear and Jackson, the other has its labelling rubbed off. Narrower face than the one shown on the programme, otherwise very similar, and does the same job.

Wondering if @Sandy Ground might have some input in this as he is a tool bloke I think.

Edit: for those that didn't see the programme it is like the one below but double+ the blade width and perhaps not quite the depth? Ah, sorry @Sandy Ground - the penny dropped that many wouldn't have an idea what was being referred to, so cross posted this edit/update.



Cheers
GG

 

Not really, a tool bloke, just a tool sometimes...

Seriously, without having seen the programme (obviously!) the only thing that I can think of it being is what is known as a Tulip Planting Spade. I've only ever seen those in the US though. If that is what it is, then really, they are too short and not really strong enough for doing any trench digging. Spades rely on the curve to give them the strength they need.

Is there any particular reason the sides have to be so straight that a normal spade cannot be used?

 

It was a spade, but wider than usual and completely flat. I've looked around for flat spades but I want one ideally which is completely flat and the ones I've seen have all had some sort of curve to them. Quite a few times I've been frustrated at the traditional spade when trying to use it for various jobs which would be so much easier with a completely flat one.

 

My wife records it for me and its still on the planner, here it is .

 

I've just asked Monty on twitter, so will let you know if he replies

 

No need...the photo does not show a spade, but what is known as a flat hoe type scraper...

Tulip planter indeed....

Edit: If any of you have seen the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi which is the north of Sweden, thats one of the tools that is used in building - or more correctly - forming it. They are more known as tools for working ice.

 

Spade blades are curved for a reason, to make them stronger and resist bending whilst levering them whilst digging.

And the wider the blade, the greater the chance of it bending horizontally, with my heavy clay soil I use spades that are basically just an open rectangular frame, ones like MD uses would not last 5 minutes.

 

MontyDon Replied saying Holland. Designed for commercial planting.

 

Many thanks for the information, me and the granddaughter use this, it saves hours, one spade full and the gardens nearly done .

 

Thanks everyone, I will have a google now I'm armed with a bit more info