A garden trowel is a hand tool with a pointed, scoop-shaped metal blade and a handle, used for digging, spreading, and smoothing soil in gardening tasks. On the other hand, a garden scoop is typically wider and shallower than a trowel, designed for moving loose materials like soil, mulch, or compost. While both tools are used in gardening, a trowel is more versatile for digging and planting, while a scoop is better suited for moving and transporting materials.