Best Tools for the Garden

Experts Reveal Their Favorites: Rakes, Gopher Baskets and More

When it comes to their tools, garden professionals have some definite favorites. Here's a look at what they can't live without:

MEL HULSE
Director, San Jose Heritage Rose Garden, San Jose, Calif.

A rosarian is only as good as his hand shears, and Mel Hulse is no exception. And he's very particular about what he uses: "While I have several favorites, I have to say my Felco #6 bypass secateurs are the most important to me and this particular brand and model is my favorite."

Hulse, a gardening aficionado who is dedicating his post-retirement energy to the Heritage Rose Garden and several rose associations, uses the shears for all regular deadheading and pruning, except large canes that require loppers or a saw. He can also snip wire with the shears, using the small cutout at the base of the blades.

Felco, a Swiss brand, is readily available at garden stores in the United States, and is a favorite of most experienced gardeners. "They are so well made that they last a lifetime," said Hulse. "Every part is replaceable. They hold their edge and are easy to sharpen." Also, he notes, while the shears are advertised for smaller hands, he finds them just right for his average male hands.

"They are with me every moment in the garden," said Hulse.

This Felco model can be found for around $50 at most major retailers, like OSH, and online at www.felcostore.com and Amazon.

JACK TOMLINSON
Japanese garden specialist, Hakone Gardens, Saratoga, Calif.

When it comes to keeping a Japanese garden looking its best, a rake - or two or three - is an often overlooked tool, yet it's essential to keeping the Zen feeling in place.

"There's a tremendous amount of leaf fall in a Japanese garden," said Jack Tomlinson, who notes that a good rake makes garden maintenance that much easier.

He uses several rakes at Hakone Gardens, including a large street rake for the gravel paths, and a steel rake for the dry water features. To create the distinctive patterns that visitors see, he removes every other tine from the rake.

Keeping it all clean and tidy "brings the garden into a nice tranquility," said Tomlinson. "It creates a meditative look for the garden."