I must be more careful. Always, I am full steam ahead, and while dividing, then chopping back an overly exuberant Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia), I chopped into my hand with the pruners, opening a substantial wound that you need not see evidence of. Barbara was horrified, and insisted that a rush to the emergency room and stitches were necessary. But with my no cares, rub-a-little-dirt-into-it attitude, a cleansing and bandage made do. I expect a few weeks will be required until the wound is fully healed, and yes, I will be more careful using sharp objects. But, soon enough, I have no doubt I’ll return to my careless ways. I am slow to learn lessons.
This accident did not deter my using the mini, rechargeable chainsaw the following day to remove all lower branches from the ever spreading Koehne holly ((Ilex x koehneana, foliage and berries, below) that sprawled across a portion of the upper driveway. The holly required regular pruning to keep the drive accessible, but the appearance became increasingly awkward as lower limbs were trimmed but not upper ones so that the broad, pyramidal shape was out of whack.
After close inspection, I determined that removing lower branches could be done and figured the finished appearance would be greatly improved. I was correct, and of course, now wonder why I didn’t do this years ago.
The removal of lower limbs now reveals a bare space deeply piled in leaf debris that will be planted with some shade loving plants, probably by spring. The widening of the driveway is substantial, and possibly this will result in less damage to the Japanese maple that encroaches over the opposite side of the drive.
I must again mention the mini chainsaw (below). Larger and louder gas versions are available on the garage shelf when thicker branches must be cut, but for cutting a few stray branches (or a dozen lower branches of a large holly) the mini is invaluable. While it doesn’t quite fit into a pocket, it’s easy to carry around the garden and it has plenty of power to cut branches much larger than you’d think would be ideal for such a small tool. I’ve cut far too many branches over the years with a manual pruning saw, so when the chore is there, this is the tool of choice.
And, while I’ve hardly given a thought about safety while pruning, I do exercise caution while using a chainsaw. Not that I don’t occasionally climb a ladder, holding the chainsaw with one hand and grasping the ladder with the other, but I try not to be too stupid. It’s difficult, but the mini chainsaw should help .
Ramblin' through Dave's Garden 
So sorry to hear about your cut. Glad it wasn’t more serious. Take care of yourself. The garden and your family needs you. 🙂
Sent from my iPhone
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Healing quickly. Just a minor stumble.
Hi Dave;
As a retired doc, I read your post with concern. This qualifies as a ‘dirty’ wound, although I have no idea what ‘substantial’ means. At the least, be absolutely positive that you have had a tetanus shot within the last 10 years. I had not, when I cut my thumb with my pruning saw awhile back.
Also, obviously monitor the wound and if it looks unduly red or swollen, take thyself to an urgent care center for some antibiotics/treatment!
I enjoy your blog, especially the part about continuing to shoehorn things in!
Bev Rogers
My wife, the nurse, agrees with you, but she knows my longtime stubborness to avoid medical treatment unless there is no alternative. She is surprised how quickly the wound is healing with no infection. I appreciate your concern.
That chainsaw would be perfect for my forever-trimming things husband. Could I persuade you to mention what brand yours is? I’m not exactly tool-savvy & it looks like there are quite a few of these available. I did see one on Amazon that seems to resemble yours, but honestly, they all look pretty similar.
That chainsaw would be perfect for my forever-trimming things husband. Could I persuade you to mention what brand yours is? I’m not exactly tool-savvy & it looks like there are quite a few of these available. I did see one on Amazon that seems to resemble yours, but honestly, they all look pretty similar. (Hope your hand heals quickly & that you’ve had a recent Tetanus shot. . . .) Bonnie C.Culpeper, VA
The brand is SeeSii, purchased through Amazon. It was inexpensive enough that I figured the purchase was worthwhile even if it was cheaply made, but it seems sturdy. Probably, other brands are just as good.
Thank you so much!!
I love my mini chainsaw!
And what brand do you have Nora?
I commiserate- I’ve had my fair share of accidents with garden tools (right now sporting a bruise on my lower calf, and just finished healing from a cut in my hand from misaligning my hand holding the stem to the clippers!) I still use old (but sharp) pruners and a handsaw, I’m afraid with power tools I might do myself more damage someday.
You sound dangerous, but gardening is not gentle work. There will be scrapes and scratches, hopefully rarely anything worse.
Gads! STITCHES?!