WATERING WITH CROSSED FINGERS

This is a post left over from when Loose and Leafy was a work of fiction. Later, it evolved into what it is now - a blog about the wild plants of the South Dorset Coast.

To make sense (in so far as there is sense) of these early posts, you may like to take a look at Esther in the Garden.

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Double disaster.

The last of Esther's globe artichokes are destroyed; one has been stepped upon, the other has had its leaves cut in half and some of its stems chewed.

When I say the 'last' of her artichokes - she'd got spares in pots in her garden but they've been neglected. I mean - I've been neglecting them and slugs have been eating them.

I think a little life may be left so I've given them a dose of tomato feed.

Mrs Rustbridger came by while I was doing this and said they'd only grow if I commit myself to watering the ones out front from now on.

I know I said I wanted a garden but I didn't say I wanted someone else's garden; I wanted one of my own; but I'm a bit nervous about what may happen if these plants bite the dust, especially if its me that grinds them into it. So it's watering I'll do - and with crossed fingers.

Then there was huge row with Ceres. I accused her of globe artichoke attack in honour of her mother. She said she didn't do it. We shouted at each other. The police arrived.

They wanted to know how come she was staying with me.

I told them about Mr Johnson. They threatened Ceres with institutional 'Care' and Ceres cried so the police said they'd send round social workers instead which I think they would have had to do anyway so I don't think this was really the concession they made it out to be but I'm not sure.

Then they went away and Ceres and I carried on arguing about artichokes and Mrs Rustbridger brought a flask of tea. I would have preferred coffee.

For yesterday's post, click here.