Are you putting off investing in new garden tools? When the old lawnmower just isn't cutting it any more and gardening, once an enjoyable, relaxing hobby, has become a back-breaking chore it's time to re-assess the equipment you're using. There have been so many new innovations in the design and engineering of today's gardening tools that tending the yard doesn't have to be a pain in the neck – or back – any longer! I've been checking out some nifty-looking cordless models – specifically lithium-ion battery–powered gardening tools and equipment – as well as some more ergonomically designed hand tools for smaller jobs. Here are some of the new models – loving the colours! - that I'm convinced will make our lives a whole lot easier, causing less strain on the old muscles and getting us back on the golf course in no time! Don't put it off any longer. Now is the time to find these products on sale! Good to know about lithium-ion batteries  • Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most popular types of rechargeable battery for portable consumer electronics, with one of the best energy densities and no memory effect. • Their chemistry prefers partial discharge to deep discharge, so it's best to avoid taking the battery all the way down to zero. Since lithium-ion chemistry does not have a "memory," you do not harm the battery pack with a partial discharge. • Store the batteries in a cool place. Heat degrades the batteries. • They're generally much lighter than other types of rechargeable batteries of the same size. This directly effects the overall weight of the tool. • A lithium-ion battery pack loses only about 5 per cent of its charge per month. • Lithium-ion batteries can handle hundreds of charge/discharge cycles. • They will only last two or three years from the date of manufacture whether you use them or not. Check the package for the manufacturing date before purchasing.   Ryobi Tools Ryobi Tools take cordless technology to the next level with the new 40V Lithium-Ion Outdoor Series. Designed for the perfect marriage of power and convenience, this line of tools is powered by a high-capacity 40V lithium-ion battery that provides fade-free performance, maximum power and maximum runtime. Ryobi tools are exclusive to Home Depot. Above: Every Ryobi tool comes with a lithium-ion battery and charger. Batteries are sold separately without a charger, but it might be a better idea to buy two tools that use the same battery. The batteries are interchangeable with over 50 Ryobi One+ tools. Ryobi 40V High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery, $129. Above: If the battery of the Ryobi One+ 18V Hybrid String Trimmer, $129, dies, you can always plug it into any 120-volt power outlet using an extension cord to finish the job. Cool! Above: The  Ryobi 40V Cordless Mower, $387, with 16-inch deck and single-lever height adjustment is whisper quiet. It comes with two batteries and a quick charger that charges in less than two hours. Above: The  Ryobi 40V Cordless Blower, $199, has a variable speed trigger for adjustable clearing power. Its quick charger fully charges your battery in less than two hours.   Canadian Tire yard tools Above: Canadian Tire's GreenWorks 40V Lithium Battery Tiller, $400.   Above: Canadian Tire's Worx 20V Lithium Ion Cordless Grass Trimmer, $169, converts from edger to trimmer in seconds with adjustable height. Above: Canadian Tire's  GreenWorks TwinForce 40V 20-Inch Lithium Cordless Mower, $550, has a dual blade and is powered with two batteries. It is both lightweight and quiet. Spare Lithium Ion Battery, $149.   Garant  hand tools The new Canadian-made Garant Botanica short-handled mid-size hand tools are handy for container and small-space gardening. They're available in garden centres, specialty hardware stores and home building centres across Canada. Above: Garant's  Botanica Shrub Rake, $11, with short handle is perfect to work in small spaces or in flower boxes. Above: Garant's Botanica Short-Handled Level Rake, $11. Above: Garant's Botanica Short-Handled Hand Cultivator, $11. Happy gardening! Follow me on Twitter: @KKMe123