By Steve Smith

Let’s take a break this week from the endless garden chores I am constantly throwing out at you and look at a few cool gift ideas. This is, after all, the season of giving, so whether you are looking for something for your favorite gardener or just for yourself, here are a few things to think about…

•Hori-Hori Knife — This is a tool that has been around for a long time and frankly, I have never been too excited about it. It always seemed clunky to me and of limited use, but I know lots of gardeners who are passionate about having one in their arsenal of gardening tools. Well, I just discovered the ultimate Hori-Hori knife that would make Crocodile Dundee proud, and I think I might have to have one this year. This version comes with a stylish and very comfortable handle made from laminated bamboo that is ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue and improve your grip. The blade is stainless steel with one side smooth (and very sharp) for cutting twine or opening bags of fertilizer and the other side serrated for slicing through roots or even “sawing” small limbs. You can use this tool to dig out root bound plants from containers, dividing perennials, levering out small rocks or use it anywhere that you need a sturdy tool that won’t break or bend when you put it to the test. Another cool feature is a bottle opener molded into the blade that will surely come in handy on that hot sunny day when we need to hydrate with something a bit tastier than water (this is probably where I should say something about not drinking and digging).

If it will help, think of this model as the Swiss Army Knife of Hori-Hori’s, that is not only a durable gardening tool, but also can double as a home invasion protection device. It comes with its own sheath so you won’t inadvertently lose any digits and sells for around $40. I am hoping Santa puts one in my stocking this year.

•Speaking of tools, how would you like to simplify your collection of gardening tools by only having to own one long handle that you could snap on a plethora of assorted attachments, depending on what you needed to accomplish? The German company Wolf Garten has developed just this type of interlocking system – it is so popular in Europe that the expression “wolfing” is synonymous with “gardening” (or so I have been told by my somewhat long-winded sales rep).

These tools are of course a reflection of German engineering and come with a 35-year guarantee (sounds like “lifetime” to me). They are made of stainless steel, lightweight aluminum, and plastic and with a simple click, you can remove the attachment from a 12 inch handle and snap it on to a 5 foot handle.

What I really like about this system is that once I have purchased the handle, I can buy (or better yet, friends can gift me) a new attachment every year. Think of it as the gift that keeps giving. As an added incentive, the company is offering a bonus tote bag for free when you spend $49 or more. I can’t wait to start my collection.

Well, I guess two ideas isn’t much of a list but at least it’s a start. I will continue next week with some additional thoughts that will surely help you finish up your shopping for the season.

Steve Smith is the owner of Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville and can be reached at info@sunnysidenursery.net