Useful Tools: Perennials

These tools come in particularly handy in the perennial garden:

The CobraHead—there are a half a dozen or more ways to use this unique tool, which is why it's so popular. It's a favorite for weeding in between perennials, it's also quite useful for excavating small planting holes within an existing garden. Available with a long handle or a short handle.

Clarington Forge Hand Trowel—a comfortable tool to hold and dig planting holes for small perennials. Also works well to dig out weeds. Other versions have narrower blades for planting or weeding in mature gardens without much space to work —see the Weeding Trowel and the Rockery Trowel. Incredibly strong, long-lasting hand tools.

Womanswork Digger Glove—spandex and micro suede combine to give this glove a comfortable, streamlined fit. You'll be able to feel what you're doing, unlike with bulky, loose gloves. Padded palms and reinforced fingertips protect you from thorns. Machine washable and available in three sizes and two colors —purple or green.