It's that time of year again. The leaves are everywhere, blowing in the front door and being trailed in by little paws at the back door. Time to rake it in! Here's a few types to consider via the National Home Gardening Club, plus my personal favorite at the end.

There's a variety of rakes out there, each suited to a different type of leaf collection. Use our guide to finding one that's right for you:
No-clog rake

Description: Durable plastic with wave-shaped teeth.

Advantage: Gentle for use in flower beds.Disadvantage: Design doesn't totally eliminate clogging.

Cost: $15 to $30

Leaf scoops or claws

Description: Tined scoop that fits over hands.

Advantage: Great for large piles of leaves.

Disadvantage: Have to be taken off and on to adjust bags, etc.

Cost: $8 to $20

Adjustable rake

Description: All-purpose with a moveable brace (shown above).

Advantage: Use the same rake for the lawn and in tight spots.

Disadvantage: Flimsy for large jobs.

Cost: $10 to $30

Shrub rake

Description: Short with small, lightweight tines.

Advantage: Perfect for tight spots. Disadvantage: Not for large jobs.

Cost: $5 to $20

Ergonomic rake

Description: Handle puts less strain on your back and shoulders.

Advantage: Fewer aches and pains.

Disadvantage: May feel awkward, depending on your body build.

Cost: $20 to $50

OK, while these all seem capable of getting the job done, my personal favorite is the Garden Grabber featured on QVC. Pictured here the Garden Grabber rake removes leaves, garbage, hedge clippings, and other debris from your lawn or flower bed with ease. The durable yet lightweight tool is made from steel and all functions can be operated without bending, stooping, or touching the pile. Rake, grab and bag all at once.

I can assure you, after using this for at least the last five years, it works. We just bought two more at the QVC Outlet Store in Rehoboth Beach while on vacation this past summer. I don't know how I'd manage without it! For more info or to order visit http://www.qvc.com/scripts/detail.dll?item=M1233

With so many types of rakes to choose from, you'll enjoy raking more when you invest in the perfect rake for your yard, budget, and body. Check your home and garden center for ideas.

This time of year, there's just nothing more impressive in my garden, including the stargazer lilly, than my perennial hisbiscus plants. The salad plate-sized flowers are too stupendous to describe, so I'm providing a few photos that I hope do them justice.

I currently have two hibiscus plants, one that is a survivor of a 4-pack of plants that I purchased off QVC from Cottage Farms (remember yesterday I was telling you how I learned my lesson about buying plants off TV -- well I didn't admit defeat right away, it took a couple times). The other one was bought locally from Glick's Greenhouse. Both plants are about four years old.
I couldn't wait to see them bloom the first year I planted them. The blooms don't come until about mid-August, and one morning I looked out the window to see the most gorgeous plate-sized flower beaming back at me! Of course, I took photos and invited the family to see it. Unfortunately, to my surprise, the bloom only lasted one day. The very next morning I looked out and thought "where'd it go?" It was already drooped and parts of it were on the ground. That was the only bloom I got that first year. This year, the blooms are coming in abundance and both plants are entering their third week of constant blooming!

If you're interested, here's a few facts. Perennial hibiscus plants, those that come back for several years without replanting, are rapidly gaining favor with plant lovers across the nation. If you wish to enjoy a plant that is easy to care for, try the perennial hibiscus. Our zone (6) is perfect for this plant.
The perennial hibiscus should not be confused with the tropical hibiscus, which would not survive our winters. As the name implies, perennial hibiscus are truly perennial and, once established, will provide years and years of brilliant landscape color. There are many varieties of perennial hibiscus to choose from. Plant heights range from 3 feet to 8 feet tall. They can be used in the garden as focal point or arranged in a manner to provide an informal hedge. Some perennial hibiscus plants are compact and rather formal looking compared with the more loosely arranged habit of taller hibiscus.

So don't be afraid to try this easy-going, versatile plant. All your neighbors will be impressed and think you're a master gardener!
Up next -- beware Creeping Jenny!

About four years ago, I got sucked into a presentation by Cottage Farms on QVC. I'm sure you've already seen it at least once. Those smart marketers in West Chester usually bring in Cottage Farms some time in late February/early March, when all us gardeners are stuck in the house dreaming of the upcoming spring blooms.
And they always have a beautiful already-blooming specimen of what they're selling. Whether it be roses, strawberries, hydrangeas, or various collections of bulbs. The presentations are absolutely irresistable to the average gardener. All shipments come with a year-long guarantee, however, if a plant is damaged in shipment, you might not get the same plant for a replacement (but that's another story).

Anyway, it was during one of these presentations, that I couldn't help myself and decided to try the ever-blooming lilly package. I think it consisted of over 40 bulbs in all different colors and varieties. Well, long story-short, I planted each bulb according to the packaged instructions and right now (four years later) I have about seven active lillies that have actually flourished and spread in my gardens. Remember, that's 7 out of 40! And, I can't be sure, but I believe that with tax and shipping, it cost around $50 for the collection!
I've since learned my lesson regarding those spectacular TV presentations ... but the lillies that have lasted are absolutely gorgeous. And no one more than the Stargazer Lilly. It's one of those pleasant surprises that blooms in August and it's spectacular!

Known for its striking blooms and heavenly scent, the stargazer is a fantastic choice for a number of occasions. It's delicate, bold, and fragrant all at once, and is fabulous in floral arrangements (although I like mine too much to cut them). Developed in the latter part of the 20th century, the stargazer lily is a recent addition to the lily family, but this unique and rather exotic hybrid has rapidly risen in popularity to become one of the most adored and sought-after of all lily varieties.
Of the many different lilies that are available today, the stargazer lily is one of the true stand-outs. Its spectacular blooms, which can range in color from pure white to the more familiar shades of deep pink, can make a definite impression. Its dazzling appearance and seductive scent has resulted in a flower that can really make an entrance.

Stargazers are floral celebrities – bold, beautiful and dramatic – and they're sure to make that statement for you, whatever the occasion may be.
I highly recommend this spectacular flower, but I don't recommend buying it of TV. There are plenty of catalogs out there, as well as local nurseries where you can find this one of a kind bulb!