For any parent who gardens, consider a gift this Mother’s Day or Father’s Day (May 10, June 21) of the indispensable hand claw, or cultivator. The tines of this versatile small tool are bent at an angle to the handle, making it easy to draw through the soil to dislodge weeds, break clods, pull errant vines from shrubbery, or even substitute for a back scratcher in a pinch! Berkeley Hort stocks both stainless steel cultivators from Corona ($14.99), as well as the very sculptural cast iron, Japanese “bear claw” cultivator ($23.99)
The hands that rocked your cradle might also greatly appreciate a fresh pair of garden gloves! We have a big selection of styles and sizes, including West County rose gloves; the comfortable and affordable Bellingham “Touch” gloves ($8.99) and a range of soft but sturdy leather work gloves from HLP ($16.99-$32.99).
The staff at Berkeley Hort will gladly make more suggestions for Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts. Here are a few of our favorite, inexpensive small tools:
Deadheads—Mini-shears for plant grooming.
Japanese Sickles—Fantastic for cutting anything soft.
Hori Hori Knives—For digging, cutting containers, slicing roots.
Hand Rakes—For tight spaces.
L-shaped Weeders—For weeding between pavers.