at last my book is ready to hit the shelves and if there are any bruises in the process the cure is inside http://www.mercierpress.ie/irish-books/the-holistic-gardener-first-aid-

let you in on a secret the best bruise cure apart from astringent black tea and the hard enough to grow ‘arnica’ – well some regions anyway- is creeping jenny – the sap shrinks it right up. another good use for a common weed normally discarded.

That said do paint your rake handle red – it wont disappear in the long grass or on the plot floor if vibrant – best to avoid those coyote-roadrunner moments before they happen. mbeep mbeep!!