Less Honesty

I trimmed back the honesty bush at the weekend. Knocked out of shape by an overshadowing evergreen, I've pruned it to about half the size.  The evergreen is on borrowed time. For now, I've just removed some lower branches.

The Rake's Progress

After two days of showers, the veg plot is mainly weeded, and seedlings started. So looking for something to do, I tackled the 'Shagmonster' a much neglected 'ornamental' grass. The middle of this bush is it's own mini compost heap, and harbours brambles .  Since most of the dead leaves were in the centre, the end result of extracting a wheelie bin's worth was somewhat underwhelming.  

Shagmonster Before:

Shagmonster After:

Tool of the Day:

Mum-Monica's Rake. Still in good condition after at least 60 years of use, and unlike Trigger's brush, it's still on its first head and first handle.  The end tines are bent inwards from decades of Monica knocking it on its ends to clear rakings.  Would I straighten it? No chance!

Shamed by Nature and Neighbours

Next door cut back their buddleia bush. I was shamed into tacking two in the border. Too warm for heavy trousers (I was happily lolling in a deck chair an hour earlier), I got my just deserts in the nettles.  

A hacked back buddleia is not an attractice thing.  Meanwhile, Nature puts on an effortless display. Aren't we all arrogant.