Days when you cant garden
Well, folks, it's been a while, hasn’t it? Not quite the “quick turnaround” I promised, but you know how it goes: you blink, and suddenly weeks have slipped by like that last biscuit in the tin that you swore you were saving for later. Still, despite my best intentions, I haven’t quite made it to the allotments yet. It’s not that I don’t want to; it’s just that the weather’s been absolutely atrocious (I feel like that word deserves all the drama I’m putting into it). It’s been one long cycle of showers, torrential downpours, and fleeting moments of sunshine that always seem to happen right when I’ve already got a cup of tea in my hand and am sitting comfortably indoors—typical, isn’t it?
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A Ground-Breaking Decision (Or Should I Say, ‘Leveling’?)
First off, I’m pleased to report that I’ve managed to level out most of the ground where my greenhouses are going. Now, when I say “level,” what I mean is that I’ve stopped tripping over all the lumps and bumps that used to make the area look like an obstacle course. I’m not about to start laying down slabs just yet, though. One step at a time, right?
In a moment of uncharacteristic foresight (I know, I’m shocked too), I decided to extend the ground a bit further out onto the grass. Why, you ask? Well, I need a little more room for water collection and composting. I know, I know, sounds like I’m planning to turn my backyard into a small-scale version of the Amazon rainforest, but bear with me. This extra space will let me collect rainwater (which, let’s face it, seems like the only thing I’m getting plenty of these days) and have a spot for composting without having to do the classic “bin shuffle” every time I need some mulch.
The fence is done, by the way! Well, finished for now, anyway. I’ve repaired and painted it, which I’m quite proud of. Nothing like a fresh coat of paint to make you feel like you’ve really accomplished something, even if it’s just protecting the garden from the local squirrels. Speaking of which, they’ve been eyeing my progress with a fair bit of suspicion. I imagine they’re wondering if I’ve planted a stash of peanuts somewhere.
Merry Tiller: A Work in Progress
Now, let’s talk tools. I’m still in the process of sorting out my merry tiller. It’s one of those things that I keep meaning to get around to, but you know how it goes—“Oh, I’ll just pop out to the shed and fix it,” and then the sky opens up like it’s auditioning for a role in Noah’s Ark: The Sequel.
But don’t worry, I haven’t been completely idle. Over the summer, I treated myself to a few accessories for the tiller. I know, I know—tiller accessories sound about as thrilling as watching grass grow, but hear me out. One of my greatest eBay victories came in the form of a set of plough wheels and a potato ridger
Now, I’m not going to sugarcoat it—the wheels and ridger were in a state. I’m talking rust, grime, the whole nine yards. But that didn’t stop me. No, I rolled up my sleeves, got stuck in, and gave them a good rub-down with some elbow grease. After I was satisfied that all the rust had been banished, I went to town with red oxide primer, followed by two coats of glossy black paint.
The result? Well, let’s just say these accessories now look so good that I’m tempted to give them their own Instagram account. They shine like they’re fresh off the factory line, and I’m quietly patting myself on the back. I might even give them names if I’m feeling particularly whimsical. Suggestions are welcome.
Leaf Blower Drama: A Carburettor Calamity
But not all has been smooth sailing in my gardening exploits. Oh no, I’ve had a bit of an issue with my leaf blower. It started becoming a right pain to start. One minute, it was firing up like a dream, and the next minute, it was more stubborn than a toddler refusing to put on shoes. So, I thought, "Right, I’ll just take the carburettor off and give it a clean."
Well, let me tell you. After removing the carburettor and giving it a good once-over, I found a hole in the diaphragm. Great, just great. Cue me scouring the internet for a replacement. And can you believe this? I went to the manufacturer’s website and nearly fainted at the price: £36 for a replacement carb. I’ve spent less on a full set of tools!
That’s when my bargain-hunting instincts kicked in. I hopped on eBay, and after a brief but thrilling bidding war, I managed to bag a non-original carb for just £9. What a steal. It arrived a couple of days later, and, of course, I got it fitted immediately (well, the day after, but who’s counting?). I swear, it’s like the leaf blower is running better than ever now. Starts on the first pull, no adjustments needed. It’s like I’ve unlocked a secret level of gardening nirvana. If only everything in life could be that easy, eh?
What’s Next? The Weather, Obviously
So, what’s next on the agenda? Well, I’m still waiting for a break in the weather to measure up for my new slabs and gravel. It’s like the weather is playing a game of Guess How Long You Can Keep Staring Out The Window Before You Give Up. Right now, I’m winning, but I’m starting to feel the pressure. Who knows, by the time I get to actually lay those slabs, I might have mastered the art of levitating them into place with sheer willpower. Or not. Probably not.
But that’s the thing with gardening. It’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence. Sure, the weather’s been less than cooperative, and some of my projects are moving slower than a snail on a cold day, but progress is still progress. And, as we all know, sometimes the best projects are the ones that take a little longer—and a lot more patience—than you expect.
Until next time, I’ll be here, dodging raindrops and pretending my leaf blower is an actual reliable piece of equipment. Keep your fingers crossed for more sunshine (for about five minutes) and fewer torrential downpours. And remember: if all else fails, you can always give your tools an Instagram makeover.
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