I like a garden tool that has multiple uses. No dainty rose scissors used only to deadhead flowers for me. That's why I like the English Farmer's Knife (also known as an asparagus knife). The 11-inch, forged-steel blade is curved at the end and has serrated teeth that are tough enough to penetrate clay soil and almost impossible to dull. It's perfect for cutting asparagus spears below the soil, pruning fleshy roots, harvesting vegetables on tough vines like winter squash, and dividing clumped perennials like daylilies. I'll use this knife often in my garden work.

The English Farmer's Knife costs about $25.