Sadly, my favorite garden tool is no more. I accidentally left it in the garden at my former house during the winter, and have been unable to find a satisfying replacement. It was a nicely turned dibble - no "t" handle, just an aesthetically pleasing indentation in the turned handle that fit my grip perfectly, and a metal tip. I miss it!

I feel your pain! I left my turf knife SOMEWHERE in the yard and I can't find it! Susan

I love all my tools. But one of my favorites is the seed starting kit I plan to use today. I have two - each with 40 little cells that sit on a capillary mat which draws water up from a tray of water. For years, I tried to start seeds indoors with no success until I bought this system. The peat pots were the worst. I could never water them right - either too much and they got that "damping off", too little and the seedlings dried up. I know lots of people start seeds successfully in anything - empty yogurt cups, etc., but I need my kits! I got these "APS systems" from the Gardener's Supply Catalog.

i love my pick axe! Every time I go to plant something there is a root or bamboo in the way. I hack at everything with the pick axe.

/Wow. You are one tough gardener! -- Susan

While at a hardware store yesterday, I noticed a woman buying an adjustable rake, just like the one pictured - she said she'd read about it on a garden blog! So maybe some people (other than me) really do take your advice, Susan!

I can say with some certainty that it wasn't one of my children. They NEVER take my advice.

Ann is the winner of the garden tool! I couldn't pass up someone who uses a pick axe to garden. A pair of pruners is on its way to you. They might help you REFINE your gardening techniques.

Oh, Ann! My first house had sat empty for a couple of years and the garden had been untended for several before that (the house itself was just a mess, but, hey! it was in our price range!) so I never went out to work in the garden without my hand-ax (is that the same as a hatchet?)

Eve. I am pretty sure a pick axe is what they used on the railroad 100 years ago! Susan

Susan,
Thank you so much for awarding me the clippers! I did venture out on Tuesday with both clippers and pick axe in hand.

These clippers are sharp and when I start cutting things..... So, I need some advice: Can I cut back my butterfly bush yet? How about the Russian Sage?

I do really like the clippers. They have this really cool 'fatigue" finger hole thingy. Once I turned the clippers right side up, it really made sense :) My husband wants to know if it works for other fatigues! The only issue I have with them is the release button,. It doesn't seem to work as smoothly as it should, Perhaps with more use, I'll get the hang of it.

Thanks again for honoring my pick axe!

Ann. Let us know the brand of those bad boys, so we know what to purchase...or avoid....And the Russian Sage? yes!

Sorry, forgot to mention that the clippers were True Temper, with really cool purple grips!

Thanks Ann. The folks at True Temper will love you!

I love any tool that has red handles....they're so much easier to find when you leave them in the garden.

LOL. Red handles are key. My father spray-painted all his tool handles red so he could spot them in a neighbor's garage or in the yard, where his children had left them.--Susan