NEW PRODUCTS

Pantree Plus tackles kitchen organization

Taking its innovative cookware and lid organizer one step better, Vertical Storage Solutions has introduced its Pantree Plus.

Pantree Plus provides a simple way to organize utensils along with cookware and lids for easy access. The two-step attachment holds eight commonly used cooking utensils such as stirring spoons, spatulas, tongs and oven mitts. It eliminates clutter from drawers and countertops and when combined with the original Pantree stores as many as 22 kitchen items including cookware and lids.

The Pantree Plus sells for $4.95 when purchased with a Pantree, which retails for $24.95. Introduced in 2005, the Pantree offers a vertical storage solution that eliminates unused space in lower kitchen cabinets.

For more information, visit www.pantree.com or call 800-646-0366.

Coat protects plants during winter

Protecting plants, shrubs and trees from winter's cold temperatures is now as easy as putting on a coat.

Invented by a professional nurseryman and landscaper with more than 28 years of experience, The Shrub Coat was devised to protect outdoor greenery from snow, ice and wind, as well as deer and rabbits.

Steve Bakowski said he was inspired to invent The Shrub Coat after customers repeatedly asked "Isn't there a better way to protect bushes and shrubs than the ugly, ineffective burlap-wrap method?"

According to Bakowski, burlap can rip and tear in the wind, providing no protection and detracting from the home's beauty. It has to be changed almost every year so it's more costly in the long run.

"Customers wanted a reusable form of winter plant protection without chemical sprays or solutions that need reapplication," he said.

Bakowski wanted The Shrub Coat to provide protection, look attractive and last a long time, so there would be one less tedious fall chore to do.

Available in four sizes, The Shrub Coat easily fits over shrubs, bushes and trees up to 9 feet tall. He recently created the Shrub Cover for lower plants or shrubs.

Both are made of a durable, environmentally friendly, ultraviolet-treated fabric that allows plants to breathe without creating a dangerous greenhouse effect.

The main difference is that Shrub Covers do not have interior poles that give The Shrub Coat its teepeelike structure.

Both can be simply installed in just minutes, then easily store away in the spring. They can also be decorated with lights for a festive holiday look.

For more information, visit www.shrubcoat.com.

Rapid Reel touts its strength, durability

Rapid Reel by Eley Corp. introduces a line of professional-grade hose reels that not only look great, but are durable enough to withstand years of abuse. The Triton line's metal construction and bronze powder-coat finish ensure that the reels won't just last for several seasons -- they'll look great the entire time.

"Homeowners are tired of spending $50 on a plastic hose reel, only to replace it every summer when it breaks," said Warren Eley, company vice president of sales and marketing. "Triton hose reels are constructed of rugged, die-cast aluminum so they won't break easily or warp like the plastic reels do. In addition, being corrosion proof makes them ideal for high humidity and salty air environments. We also take great care to ensure that the reels are aesthetically pleasing and fit in perfectly with the overall look of a nice home."

The line features two wall-mountable models. The parallel and perpendicular reels are easily attached to masonry or wood surfaces and feature wall plates with holes drilled for standard 16-inch stud walls for quicker installation.

There also are two mobile models, one with two wheels and one with four wheels. Both have tubular frames with no-tip stability, 10-inch pneumatic tires and dual-grip handlebars.

All Triton reels feature Rapid Reel's exclusive braking system. The adjustable system prevents the reel from self-unwinding but releases when winding the hose up for smooth reeling. Rapid Reel's patented brass swivel also is included on all reels and features 3/4-inch flow capacity. The leak-proof design is backed by Rapid Reel's 10-year warranty.

For additional information, visit rapidreel.com

-- Compiled by Hali Bernstein Saylor