It usually happens in the hours just after sunrise on weekends and in the hours just before sunset during the weekdays. That's when Louisiana gardeners leave the air-conditioned comfort of their homes and offices and venture out into their yards and gardens.

Sandie Clark via Unsplash.com
Sandie Clark via Unsplash.com
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A recent survey suggested that about 55% of homeowners considered themselves to be "gardeners". Now being a gardener doesn't mean you spend your waking hours nurturing vegetables and other crops for consumption. Gardening can be as simple as remembering to water those plants you have on your patio. Regardless, seeing plants thrive and flourish is a great satisfaction.

Mio Ito via Unsplash.com
Mio Ito via Unsplash.com
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One of the most difficult chores associated with achieving that satisfaction involves using a garden rake. These stiff metal devices are perfect for pulling unwanted weeds out of a flower bed or smoothing down mulch and even rocks. The one big issue with most rakes is the one you have probably seen depicted in a cartoon or two.

Perhaps no one played up the rake gag nearly as well as The Simpsons have done in regard to the character Sideshow Bob. He always found the rake even when it was illogical for a rake to be found.

So, what can you do to prevent having your own Sideshow Bob rake-stepping incident? Well, you could turn the rake over on the ground so the tines of the rake or in the ground. But then you'd have to bend over and actually hunt for the rake among the leaves and grass and other materials you're working with.

Ray Shrewsberry via Unsplash.com
Ray Shrewsberry via Unsplash.com
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If you store the rake the other way you run the risk of impaling your foot on the tines or causing a leverage-like reaction that sends the rake's handle directly into your face or your private and delicate area if you know what I mean. If only your rake could stand up on its own. Well, guess what, I can with just a little assistance.

I know this seems like a very simple concept and it seems as if it should be something that everyone should already have known. I did not. Therefore I am going to assume that at least one of you didn't know about this either.

And now you do. You don't have to toss the rake in the high grass or risk a smash to the face or puncture wounds to the feet. You can stand your rake up right where you need it. All you need is some high-visibility tape on the handle and you'll never have an issue with your rake again.

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