Tom, the tool you are describing is a Hori knife and it is my favorite garden tool. Although there are many other tools for specialized uses this is the one I (try to remember to
) grab when I make my rounds of the garden.
I'll have to catch up on posting my TJ and PB irises when I get home. Some of you may hate me for saying this but I'm posting on a tablet while enjoying the sunny Mazatlan beach! The internet signal is lousy so it's a slow and tedious process to post anything. I have really been enjoying the photos some of you posted!