Garden time

There is much afoot in my rear garden! The ranch fence I built 54 years ago finally collapsed in the winter, but the concrete posts are in good heart (although George, who is fixing the fence for me, tells me that they are not in a straight line!). Tmber arrived today, new bolts are in place and it should all take shape tomorrow.

Meantime I have been busy in the greenhouse, potting up Moneymaker Tomato plants for the Community Memorial Garden at St. Peter's and Tumbling Tomatoes for my hanging baskets.

I have also made a start at propagating some salvia - Africa Sky and Hot Lips are my favourites.

Nice warm sunshine today - more work in the greenhouse tomorrow.

Where have all the ties gone?

I attended a residents' association's coffee morning today. Some dozen or so men were there - and I was the only one wearing a tie. Even the speaker was tie-less.

Sitting on a bus recently in the City of London at lunchtime, I noticed that about 10% of men in suits wore ties.

What is England coming to, I ask myself? I am about to go into the greenhouse and will still be wearing a tie.

I am not a Colonel Blimp nor a right-wing or left-wing bigot. In fact, I am very liberal in my outlook and views - and some say very young for my 86 years.

But this tie-less age is getting me very, very upset. No wonder Tie Rack closed down!

No Booing!

A small colour leaflet dropped through my door today. Headed 'Zumba Fitness', it attracted my immediate attention.

I have no idea what Zumba is, but guess it might be some sort of dance gymnastics. Sub-headings read: 'Pay as you go', 'No contract', 'Classes are just £6'. I was becoming interested, but then two lines hit me between the eyes.

The first read: ' Ladies only' - so that ruled me out.

The second read: 'No Booing Necessary'. Yes, No Booing! What is happening here? Do these Ladies Boo - and if so why? And why is it unnecessary? Surely booing is not very lady-like!

I need some answers or I will not sleep soundly this evening - especially as these sessions are to be held starting this Thursday evening in a hall not a few yards from where I live. I am

Magnificent!

The Spring bulbs throughout St. Peter's Churchyard in Aldborough Hatch, Essex, are just magnificent. Tete a Tete Narcissus (daffodil to you and me), crocus, primula, tulip and wild violets (the latter just appeared over recent years whereas the rest were planted by members and their friends)are in full flower now. Do visit if you are living nearby. More will be planted in the autumn.

Let battle commence!

Having been part of the team that fought off the threat of an all-weather racecourse in Fairlop Waters County Park and the gravel haul road trashing through the Country Park here on the very edge of London’s green belt, and will now see off the descent of the London Markets on Hainault Farm, I am now facing another major battle - against Mr Squirrel (or even Mrs Squirrel for all I know).

Recently sparrows returns to my garden. So I invested in new bird feeders for the front and back, and Chris gave me some special bird seed. The sparrows came back - but then Mr or Mrs Squirrel spotted the chance for some free food. Not only did he (she) take the seed, but he (she) knocked the feeder off the bird table and very nearly smashed it - twice. I have foiled him (her) now - but wiring the feeder onto the table so that he (she) will not be able to take it down. That will teach him (her)!

Watch this space! The sparrows have not returned - yet . . . 

Greenhouse spring cleaned!

Back from two hours in the greenhouse clearing the winter debris. The salvia are looking fine now I have trimmed them back. The Cala Lily bulbs and others are nicely dried off. And I am ready to plant the tomato seeds in the propogator - but that will have to wait for anther day as I am a bit tired now!

Busy busy!

I thought you would like to know that I spoke to the garden-man this morning. He will renew my rear garden ranch fence starting in two weeks’ time. It has not done badly - I built it when Graham was two and he is 55 now! The concrete posts are still as good as new. George will use treated wood from the woodyard in Fairlop. If It goes well, I may get him to do the same in the front - as the palings are getting worn after some 53 years, although I treat it every year.

I have also ordered 2.5 litre of Brintons Patio Magic from WILKO - to be delivered as it is too heavy for me to carry from Ilford! This, I gather, will sort out the patio in the back garden - and does not need brushing. I will do it in sections as Socks would not be allowed out whilst it is doing its work. 

I have also ordered the tomato seeds from Nicky online - these are for the hanging baskets. I will buy seeds for the planters for the new garden at St. Peter’s.

I am off to Ilford shortly - I will be buying a pair of pyjamas at M & S. I realise that I have never ever done this - Yvonne always did my pyjama shopping and two pairs are really getting beyond their use-by date. As Daphne irons my pyjamas I feel I should get a new pair! Such fun!

The sun is shining and the water feature of trickling away in the back garden. I have had sparrows in the garden recently so have purchased some new feeders - but so far only Mr Squirrel is feeding.