By Teresa Woodard
Spring gardening chores can be daunting, but the right tools help make the work more enjoyable. Today, I share my hedge shears by Okatsune as we start a mini blog series on our Favorite Tools. This Japanese-crafted set of blades is my go-to tool for trimming the boxwood hedge along the front of our house. While I’ve tried other shears, these deliver much smoother and more precise cuts not crushing or “chewed” cuts. Their sharpness and cutting power is attributed to the blades’ hot hammer-forged “Izumo Yasuki Steel”, which is supposedly used in the making of Japanese swords. Check back for Debra’s and Michael’s favorite tools or comment here with your own favorites.
heartlandgardening
heartlandgardening 
Hello Teresa – Brad Deacon’s sister Chris here. I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog even though I don’t garden as much as I used to. You all have some great information! Jill let me know about you – so gald you are doing something you obviously love!
Thanks, Chris. It is so nice to hear from you. I’m grateful for your encouragement. Are you living and gardening in Ohio? Please send me pictures. I’d love to see your garden. 🙂
These look great! Where would you suggest we (all your blog followers) find them? Thanks, Teresa! All gardeners love to hear about your favorite tools.
They are great. Once I get going, I pick up a rhythm and truly enjoy the job — all but the clean up. You’ll find these tools and others at A.M. Leonard, a horticulture tool and supply company based in Piqua, Ohio. You can check out its online store at http://www.amleo.com.