Retailers know gardeners like to drop coin on their outdoor spaces, and that doesn't just mean plants, containers and the like. No, we gardeners are constantly on the hunt for all manner of new tools and paraphernalia to make our hobby easier and more fun. Of course, some of us just like to shop. The marketplace responds with new products to tempt us all the time. Here are five that turned my head:

Gnome door mats

What it is: Tufted polyester door mats decorated with kitchy-poo gnomes.

Why it's cool: Some people think that gnomes bring good luck. Others just revel in their borderline-tacky charm. These 18- by 36-inch mats are made for high-traffic areas and can be cleaned with a hose or broom, so one would be ideal near the back door where we all inevitably track in garden debris. Two designs available: "Gnome is Where the Heart Is'' and "Gnome Sweet Gnome.''

How much: $30 each.

Where to buy: Uncommon Goods, 888-365-0056; www.uncommongoods.com.

Wire rooster

What it is: Whimsical rooster made of black powder-coated iron.

Why it's cool: Cock-a-doodle-doo! At nearly 30 inches tall, this bit of barnyard art could really wake up your next garden buffet table, or make a statement peeking out of a bed of foliage. Garden designer and plantsman Sean Conway designed this cutie - along with a slew of other garden-related merchandise - for the increasingly style-conscious Target chain.

How much: $79.99.

Where to buy: Target stores, or online at www.target.com.

Adjustable hand rake

What it is: A fresh take on the mini-rake.

Why it's cool: This little guy - just 21 inches long - is made by OXO, the folks who manufacture all of the wonderful Good Grips products. The rake's adjustable tines lock into place at a spread anywhere from 3 to 12 inches, so you can get into really tight spots around plants or just do general clean-up. The dual-position handle also extends your reach, and the tool has the soft-comfortable grip millions love on other OXO tools.

How much: $12.99.

Where to buy: Find a retailer or buy direct at www.oxo.com.

Tin Garden Lights

What it is: A 6-foot string of little lanterns to illuminate the garden.

Why it's cool: An Oregon artist who calls herself "can crazy'' uses ordinary metal soup cans to create this enchanting garden accessory that casts festive floral patterns around your outdoor space. The cans are hand cut in a freestyle fashion, so no two strings are alike. Hang a string through a tree or attach to the underside of an outdoor umbrella.

How much: $79.

Where to buy: www.vivaterra.com.

Squirrel Stopper

What it is: A bird feeder holder that lets you feed the birds - and not the crafty neighborhood squirrels.

Why it's cool: A squirrel-proof bird feeder? Yeah, yeah, we've heard that one before. What sets this bird feeder holder gizmo apart is the squirrel-baffling, free-floating baffle that moves both side to side and up and down on three stainless steel springs. When the squirrel - inevitably - leaps onto the slippery, inverted-cone baffle, the animal's weight works against him as gravity pulls him down. And even if the hapless critter manages to grab hold, the baffle whips down and shakes him off.

Sounds pretty entertaining. Installs with no tools. And the company guarantees its product to be 100 percent effective if located in a proper spot (that is, at least 10 feet away from fences, trees and such). You supply the hanging feeders.

How much: $129.99-$139.99.

Where to buy: www.wildernessproductsinc.com. See an amusing video demo at www.squirrelstopper.net.