In a country as wet as Ireland or the UK I really think the use of normal BS1363 plugs and sockets for garden work is potentially leathal. They are VERY liable to get wet, particularly the rewirable variety. I know a few people who've been shocked quite badly while unplugging a wet BS1363 rewirable plug. (I'm sure schuko and other systems are just as dangerous but most other countries arn't as wet as here! and most other European countries, speaking from experience, arn't as garden obcessed either)
Would it be THAT big of a deal to provide a few IS/EN60309 sockets on the outside of a house and use EN60309 trailing sockets and reels for garden work. they're not THAT bulky and they'd survive a lot more abuse than a normal plug.
If you must bring say sound equipment or lamps out on a very dry day for a party you can always use an adaptor.
