Tools will delight gardeners

With Christmas just two days away, there might be some last-minute gifts to be purchased. If there's a gardener on your list, there are a number of items that can be big hits this season.

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Tom O'Neal, the store manager of Culpepper Lumber Co.-Ace Hardware in Evans, says there are two really hot items this year.

One of them is the nut wizard, which is used to pick up pecans, acorns and other nuts without bending over.

"It's not specific to gardening, but we've had a lot of folks coming in and asking for it," O'Neal said.

Also popular among his customers is the Lawn Buddy Cart. The cart, which has a seat that conceals a tool storage area underneath, is an ideal gift for the gardener who finds leaning and bending difficult.

The seat of the Lawn Buddy cart also serves as a handle for easily moving the cart from one area of the yard to another.

"It's really good for older gardeners who can't lean over well or bend well," O'Neal said.

According to the Home & Garden Television Web site, another gift idea would be a pruning knife, which is good for grafting and pruning fruit trees. The site also lists moisture meters for those who forget to water plants, or a plant waterer that will actually water your plant for you.

HGTV also has these suggestions: take smaller items, such as seeds, sheers and gardening gloves and put them in a decorative pot. Gardening clogs also are a good gift. In addition to being easy to clean with a quick hosing off, they also are comfortable.

Knee pads, garden gloves and totes are always popular with gardeners.

For a more unique, personal touch, consider making a stepping stone for the garden.