The father of invention

An interesting fella, G. Ray Miller, was in our offices last week to show off a new all-in-one garden tool he invented.

As he told the backstory of the tool’s development, he said something that I’d never thought about, but certainly rings true: “If someone from the 17th century came back to modern times, the only things he would recognize are garden tools. That’s how little change there has been in garden tools over hundreds of years.”

Ray has set out to change that.

After a heart attack, the 67-year-old found he didn’t have the strength or stamina to dig holes the old-fashioned way. Ray’s solution is what he’s marketing as The Perfect Garden Tool System, a bizarre-looking device whose handle has the outline of a martini glass. At the base the user can attach any number of tool heads: a planter, four-tined cultivator, double-headed hoe, aerator, on and on.

The inventor says his tool system is ergonomically designed to allow people to do more work with less effort. The kit comes with a storage tote, and the tools are guaranteed for life. It costs $89.99, and Ray says he’s not playing the big-box game. Only going to independents who pledge not to come off his suggested retail price.

-- Kevin