I just got a new pair of Felco pruners, and I'm quite impressed with them. Recommended to me by Gene Lanzaro from the Cornell Cooperative Extension, this baby is quite the workhorse. The pruners' super-sharp adjustable and replaceable bypass blades make easy, clean cuts to promote fast healing. And their nonslip, super-comfortable handles are red, so they won't get lost in the compost pile. Models run from around $30 to $70 at Hicks Nurseries (100 Jericho Tpke., Old Westbury, 516-334- 0066 and at felcostore.com.
(Newsday / December 12, 2007)