Up at 6:10 without an alarm clock. Downstairs to make breakfast and lunch. Walked up the road 10 minutes to work, this is a nice aspect. I was already for my edging assignment when Jim advised that he had some other plans. He showed me the Laburnum Arch gardens again and said while I did a fairly good job, there were aspects that could be improved upon. Namely a better job of edging and weeding. Basically everything I had done yesterday. He reviewed the edging technique and wanted me to be more severe in creating a crisp edge and then showed me a tool previously unavailable to me. I think it was a test. The tool known as an onion hoe is a small handheld tool with a small blade that is used to get around delicate plants such as the cyclamen. Used effectively it will disturb the top inch of soil, breaking up all the little weeds. It can only be used on hands and knees with a keeling pad. As you can imagine it takes quite a bit longer; reminds me of washing your car with a toothbrush. So Brian like Tigger was a little quieter and a more chastened Brian. But I’ve got to tell you I am a believer. Getting a lesson from Jim Buckland is like gardening with John Tredescant. (look him up). The beds looked absolutely fabulous when I finished them and it took all day to do one side. I’ll load a picture later for you. Today’s shots show the tool shop and various tools and wheelbarrows used at the gardens.
Oh yes, it was also a lovely day, sunny and 18 and after lunch I changed into shorts, which drew many whistles and lots more stares. It was very comfortable working in a t-shirt and shorts; I hear it was cold in NS yesterday. Knocked off at 4:00 and walked home on a back road, through the village and bought a few supplies at the local store. Home to 108, and took a shower before supper. Then at 7:30 one of the volunteers , Derek and Steve, who used to work at the gardens, picked me up and drove me a few miles north to a pub in Singleton called The Fox Goes Free. We didn’t sample the fare but certainly enjoyed the milk. One of their dairies is called Harvest and the other Ballards. Harvest was the popular choice by 2 to 1. We were also joined by two other volunteers, Ken and Ian. These are a great group of people and I really enjoyed their company. I am including a picture of Derek and Ken at work in the gardens. Derek is over 70 and wears a bowler hat. Ken wears an Australian style hat and Derek said he started wearing the bowler to get some of the attention that was being given to Ken. We got back home at 10:00 and it was time for bed.
Oh yes, it was also a lovely day, sunny and 18 and after lunch I changed into shorts, which drew many whistles and lots more stares. It was very comfortable working in a t-shirt and shorts; I hear it was cold in NS yesterday. Knocked off at 4:00 and walked home on a back road, through the village and bought a few supplies at the local store. Home to 108, and took a shower before supper. Then at 7:30 one of the volunteers , Derek and Steve, who used to work at the gardens, picked me up and drove me a few miles north to a pub in Singleton called The Fox Goes Free. We didn’t sample the fare but certainly enjoyed the milk. One of their dairies is called Harvest and the other Ballards. Harvest was the popular choice by 2 to 1. We were also joined by two other volunteers, Ken and Ian. These are a great group of people and I really enjoyed their company. I am including a picture of Derek and Ken at work in the gardens. Derek is over 70 and wears a bowler hat. Ken wears an Australian style hat and Derek said he started wearing the bowler to get some of the attention that was being given to Ken. We got back home at 10:00 and it was time for bed.
Those are 'used' tools?! It looks like a Lee Valley store!
ReplyDeleteTrust you to find guys who wear hats for friends!
C.