How to choose the perfect hose for your garden this summer

Go with the flow with our guide to tempering your irrigation to work with, not against, any water restrictions

With wall hoses, look for a 180-swivel mechanism' Gardena manual roll-up models from €125 for 15m, with 25m automatic returns from 220, multiple suppliers.

Invented 2,500 years ago by the Greeks using animal guts, and perfected in the 1600s by the industrious Dutch flower growers for commercial sale, we still use our garden hoses for dozens of jobs around the garden and yard. 

A well-detailed, quality hose should save you work, water and plant losses year-round. You might be watering flower baskets, feeding the power washer, mixing up a little concrete or cleaning down the windows with a light misting.