They say that you can tell a gardener by their hands and fingernails, hence why so many of us reach for the hand cream to soothe and moisturise. But there are so many to choose from. Which actually perform for hardworking gardeners?

We asked the Hardy's Sales Team to name their favourites and why? We would love to hear which you like too. As we do not sell any hand creams our opinions are entirely honest and unbiased. But interestingly when we did the poll, there were multiple votes for one of them so it must be getting something right.

Clare, a garden designer who advises for two days a week in the Nursery Shop plumped for 'Hemp Hand Protector' by The Body Shop.

'My favourite by far! Hard working hands that handle plant material need plenty of TLC. This hemp cream is really nourishing and hydrating. I can't promise fabulous fragrance but I am happy to forgo that for moisturisation. A great product at a reasonable price.'

Rachel, who manages the Sales Area plus gardens and designs for private clients, also threw her hat into the ring with this hand cream. '

I think this is a good product but the fragrance is striking. Interestingly when I asked gardening friends which products they used this was mentioned twice, Also by a friend who is a maintenance engineer for a college. So it appeals to a wider fanbase too'.

Alex G., who combines advising customers for two days a week in the Nursery Shop with running her garden design business near Salisbury recommends 'CCS Swedish Formula Foot Care Cream' by CCS.

'Not glamorous at all but I use it on my hands. It works like magic!'

We are still waiting to hear the story of how she discovered it was good for hands. Perhaps it was a power cut or she mislaid her glasses...

For a touch of luxury after a long day's gardening, Rachel also likes a dab of 'Dry Skin Hand Cream' by L'Occitane En Provence.

'I was given this for a present by a fellow gardener and it is lovely. A light fragrance and it absorbs really quickly, leaving your hands feeling soft. I now give it as a present to other gardeners.'