They Also Serve

At last, at last, at long long last! I'm finally planting my garden now I have the beds in the right places. Oh but it's fun. My neck aches, my hands hurt and my knees feel quite dodgy, but there's nothing I'd rather be doing. Truly, nothing. It's exhilarating, thrilling, fascinating, unbelievably satisfying. I won't go into details: I know what's there. I went in to put some ice on my neck and shoulders before going on a tour of the three closest nurseries to gather more beauties. Planning and planting is hampered by the need to keep off the new lawn for two weeks, and having to go all the way around the edge every time I need something. But it hasn't taken the shine off it at all.

Don't it look green

The orange, yellow and red bed, putatively speaking

Before my outing I waited for the promised rain to come, a heavy band moving from the west. So why did I keep casting a weather eye to the east where the undiminished brightness was most dispiriting. Eventually I got it, and turned my gaze instead westwards. It was due by 2pm, and I needed it if I wasn't going to use the sprinkler on the lawn again. I watched and waited with growing anxiety as the wind that normally heralds wet weather just dried out the new grass. Where was it, for heaven's sake? I checked and rechecked the satellite charts where the dark blue band seemed to hover over Diss and Stowmarket, barely moving at all. God, it was tense.

The first bed, growing nicely

To calm my nerves - I know, I really get into things, intense isn't the word - I defrosted the freezer with my hairdrier. It's a breeze, excuse the pun. Takes minutes instead of hours, and everything back in again before you could say ice cube. I made a cup of tea, buttered some toast and spread it lavishly with home-made blackberry  jam. And then I noticed it: a shy little sprinkle of rain drops at first, gaining confidence quickly and then lashing down with gusto, soaking the sods. I love a good downpour in the garden, especially now. I postponed the garden centre visits until tomorrow when the sun will be shining again, and instead got out my Italian books. Arrivederci.