Raking is not your typical masculine yard job — no ax, no power anything. On the other hand, it's great for the gut, hips, and legs and, thanks to some ingenious and lightweight new tools, no longer a backbreaker. The Back Relief Rake ($22, www.gardeners.com) has a padded, ergonomic handle designed to prevent back strain; the wide rake head, with tines of tempered steel for strength and flexibility, clears large areas. You'll want something smaller and less aggressive, like the Gardena Hand Rake ($15, www.smithandhawken.com), for raking small beds and clearing leaves under shrubs. For bagging, consider an English Tip Bag, which stands open on its own (large size, $27.50, Gardener's Supply Company, www.lifewithease.com). The Zen-like pleasure of the chore disappears, of course, when you crank up a gas-powered leaf blower. (Just ask the neighbors.)