Learner driver

Last week at Heale I had a go on the ride on Mower and it was great! It really gives you a new perspective on the garden and makes you aware how big it is. Michael and I worked on a mower each and cut the larger areas together. Tricky bits such as border edges and trees take a bit of getting used to but fun to learn. It makes a right racket but with ear defenders on you just go into your own world a bit.

 I also got a lesson in correct planting of trees and shrubs and that will stick with me forever. Methodical and take your time. Once you have done it properly there is no point in rushing it. I had a guest Photographer on hand to record the memory. 'Volunteer Michael' as I know him and good pix they are too!
We planted a Styrax 'Purple Dress' and this plant doesn't like competition from grass roots so we made a large planting hole and fingers crossed it will thrive. We also planted a Magnolia seiboldii by the river which will be beautiful.

I also did a bit of hand mowing on the pond beds and Swimming pool area. Michael showed me some damage on the main croquet lawn, 'Fairy Rings' which are caused by a fungus. We also have Speedwell which seems difficult to eradicate. The flower would probably look quite nice at home but not on a formal croquet lawn!

The Japanese garden will always be my favourite but it is looking lovely right now, Hostas, Ferns, Zantedeschia and Sambucus elbus (a herbaceous elder, looks like cow parsely and will end up with orange berries). Lots to see and the weather was not so harsh, the rain came just as we finished the mowing, perfect timing.

≈