Robotic lawnmowers have certainly jumped in popularity over the past five years and by the look of things they are here to stay. 
Naturally, with the advancements in technology robotic mowers are becoming more affordable. The move towards a robotic mower can be made for as little as €500. Set up involves laying out boundary wires around the perimeter of the lawn and getting power to the docking station. Some of the latest mowers on the market are even easier set up and managed. Some manufacturers now offer smartphone connectivity where owners can change mower settings ie cut height and mowing time schedules as well as track the mowers real time location all done via smartphone.
While the initial investment may seem steep to some, the cost of ownership compared to their combustion engine cousins is much less in most cases. Aside from the savings of not having to run an engine if a value is put on your time then major savings are to be made here.
One for the busy modern homeowner who wants a straightforward way of watering the garden at a set time. A digital hose timer is ideal for those with a busy schedule as the digital clock is used to set watering intervals. 
For those who want a bit more than just a digital hose timer the Gardena Smart sprinkler system offers that little bit more in terms of connected gardening. 
The system encompasses a sensor probe and a water control system on the tap. The sensor unit has a built-in moisture probe and temperature sensor that measures the level of moisture and heat in the soil. Alerts are then sent to the garden owner via a smartphone app. If the soil is too dry then communication is made with the control system on the tap, switching it on or off accordingly until the correct level of moisture is met.
Other features of the sensor include frost detection and system failure alarm whereby the home owner is alerted if there is a problem with the irrigation system. These systems are generally in the €250-€500 region which may prove too pricey for some.
Will this be the futuristic approach to banish weeds from our small scale gardens? Designed by Batavia, this 4-in-1 combi tool can be used as a weedkiller, a hot air gun and a barbecue lighter. Although it may look like something from Ghostbusters, this thermal weed gun has the ability to kill your weeds through 600°C flares of hot air. When used as a weedkiller, no gas, chemicals or flames are used. 
To use it, it’s just a matter of plugging it into a socket, wait briefly for it to heat up, and pick out the nearest weed. When not being used as a weedkiller, the telescopic pole can be easily removed for the other uses of the multi heater, the hot air gun or the barbecue lighter. It’s priced in the region of €55 to €60.
To take the physical strain out of lugging a heavy wheel barrow around your garden, why not purchase a self-propelled cordless electric version? Manufactured by Sherpa, this electric barrow has a steel chassis and 170-litre tray.
The controls are easy to use. The variable speed throttle can be operated with one finger. On the other side is a bike-type disc brake control – this means the user can control the descent of the barrow down slopes, or, the brake can be locked on. This particular model is priced in the region of €850.
Garden Answers Plant Identifier is an app that provides instant plant identification with just the snap of a photo. With a database of over 20,000 plants, once identified, the app provides detailed information on plant care. In addition, the database contains more than 200,000 answers to common gardening questions. If you have a plant that looks a little off, this app can help identify a disease or pest infestation so you can take the proper steps to solve the issue. Download for free from the Apple App Store or Play Store.