Monday, 22 April 2019
We were out the door to go to work, not relishing the cold air, when the rain began. I happily retreated to my comfy chair and a book that Allan had checked out for me from the library. It had been recommended to him by a book site while he ordered other British books. “If you like that, you’ll also like this.”
A paragraph in the introduction, by Nigel Slater, had me thinking about how timid I am about what I choose to share in this blog. I write an awful lot that I then delete, although WordPress preserves it all in the various drafts of each post (along with all the typos and mistakes that get corrected):
“I am aware my writing has taken on a melancholic turn,” the author writes much later into the book, “so perhaps it is time to share a sunnier story.” So even he pulled back from revelation for a moment.
And even later:
This was the perfect time to read a book by someone brave enough to dig deep, even though he is a well known writer in the UK and now people will know his secrets and pain. How does he feel about that, and how can he stand the exposure? I ask that of almost every memoir I read, while at the same time being grateful for the writer’s transparency. (It is ironic that I just deleted two lines from this very paragraph.)
It had taken me a long time today to settle down and actually set all other materials aside and apply myself to reading. Then the first page mentioned snails eating baby beans.
I had to get up again, go outside, and apply Sluggo to my baby sweet peas.
The table I painted yesterday looked wonderful in the rain.
Plot 29 goes back and forth between the present day and the author’s childhood and his search for answers about his parentage.
Well, now, this is just how I felt about several gardens I have gone in to rescue over the past 25 years…
I was excited to see a mention, all in one paragraph, of Monty Don AND one of my favourite gardening books, the book that inspired me most about seaside gardening, Derek Jarman’s Garden.
On the appearance of a gardener:
Jenkens and his allotment companions use the principles of “Biodynamic gardening” and stir up various potions.
At bedtime, I am reading chapters of Linda Chalker-Scott’s The Informed Gardener books, one chapter thoroughly debunking Biodynamics. Oh dear. Sometimes I am not sure what to think of all the debunking, since further scientific studies often contradict the first studies, etc.
I can tell biodynamics is just not something I would have the energy or belief to try.
Oh! The author writes about driving: “I have only once been behind the wheel.” I am thrilled.
On his three gardens, one at a small summer cabin in Denmark, one a rooftop garden outside his London flat, and the allotment patch:
As regular readers know, once I began to read Plot 29 I could not stop to do anything until I had finished. I so appreciate Allan finding it for me. Locals can order it from the Timberland Regional Library.
Mr Tootlepedal had asked if I had seen any of a gardening show called The Beechgrove Garden. I had not. It is a Scottish gardening show, rather like Gardeners’ World, and I I was delighted to find some episodes online. I watched one episode and will watch as many as I can find. Down the rabbit hole! It has been on telly since the 1970s. Fortunately for my getting things done, all the shows are not online.
I also found in the past few days a Gardeners. World Road Show from 2005 in which the hosts go on tour to a city, visit many gardens, and have a plant swap.
They may be too big of celebrities now to do that anymore. Perhaps a viewer over there can tell me if they still have a roadshow special each year.
That pic of the kitties and plants and books looks so homey and perfect. 🙂
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Thank you.
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Wow, there’s so much to comment on in this post. I am claiming my tiny Scottish roots so I will search out the Beechgrove Garden shows to see what they are about.
Your table is beautiful. I love the color. I’d take it if you didn’t want it. Oh, and I’m pretty sure it’s the slugs and snail that eat ALL of my baby plants. I need to get the Sluggo out, I’ve just been busy.
Your comment about writing stirs a lot in me. Sometimes I feel too vulnerable when I write online. It’s scary!
My sister just published a memoir (April 2nd). I won’t post the title here because that would be like an advertisement.. However, while her book is accurate, it leaves out much. I suppose a memoir can’t include everything and if those people you write about are still alive, there are things you can’t say and sometimes those things are important. The reader never gets the entire picture; just the pieces the writer chooses to divulge. Subsequent to her book, I wrote my sister a 6-page typed letter about the things she doesn’t know about my side of her parents. I doubt she will respond or acknowledge any of it because it doesn’t fit neatly into her “picture”.
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It is scary. Maybe after I semi retire I can reveal more.
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P.S. Even though personal, the things I leave out a garden related. Mostly. 😀
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I had caught a couple of episodes of Beechgrove and then forgot all about it as I developed a liking for Garden Rescue – so that was a rabbit hole for me (I overlook the series faults because of Charlie Dimmock) I will return to Beechgrove.
At one point in the Gardeners World road show 2005 episode I thought someone said something along the lines of “join us next year where we will be in…” I tried to find it on YouTube but no luck, but did notice a pinterest page of pictures allegedly from the 2006 show in Sheffield. I could not explore much because I do not have a pinterest account.
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I love Charlie but have not been able to get past the faults of Garden Rescue (those arrogant young men). However, I will get back to it because it’s on one of my tv subscriptions.
I just found the Sheffield show!! It is on the Braggle channel on dailymotion. He has over 200 old garden shows uploaded. I think it was 2006.
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I’ll try another look for the 2006 episode via Braggle. One of the G Rescue eps Harry was sick so it was just Charlie and David. They had to work on everything together and it was much better. I don’t like the rivalry thing…new hip and brash versus old and, well old fashioned. I also think the show may be edited to make it that way, so I try and watch between the lines.
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When Im next on my iPad, i will try to find and send you the link to the 2006 road show in case it eludes you.
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I adore the snaps your cats enjoying a lazy day inside with the books.
The book sounds interesting — and I love your take on it. I’ve just moved into a new house with a larger garden patch that I’m used to so I’ll be giving this topic much thought in the coming months.
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That is so exciting. I wish you many hours of happy garden planning and gardening.
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Thank you. I have a vision in mind, but frankly confess, I have no idea how to set about it. I have a $7 pair, a hose, and a dream. But no skills or talent for gardening. Here’s hoping I can learn. I’m starting with some preliminary reading on composting.
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I recommend two books, Gardening from Scratch by Ann Lovejoy and The Inward Garden by Julie Moir Messervy, for getting started.
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Thank you– I’ll track these down.
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Happy to hear you had a nice reading day. Rainy days come in handy when you just want to relax and read. ( . . . except for the sudden trip outside to put the Sluggo down!)
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🙂
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