The green sward

Oof. Is this the most strenuous work I’ve done in weeks? I think so.   And it’s such an innocuous looking task. Raking the lawn.   Being a good gardener (and prompted by actually watching an episode of Gardener’s World on TV on Friday night in real time rather than on iplayer on the train) I knew it was time for Lawn Care.

Just rake up all the thatch that has accumulated, lengthwise and then crosswise. A quick mow, then aerate the entire lawn with a fork. Easy peasy.

But the lawn is vast! I haven’t measured it properly, but I think it is more than 65 metres squared.   I’ve come inside for a reviving cup of tea after two hours solid work; and I’ve only managed a quarter of the raking bit. This is going to take all day.   Sorry the pictures are so dull.

Here’s an image to gladden the heart. These are Leslie’s weeds: her invasive asters that she had been giving me all summer.   I have planted them at the worst time of year in the worst conditions. And they are flowering like mad. I love the purple and mauve ones too, which are planted right beside these white ones.   But they never come out in pictures. Leslie has warned me they are invasive, but luckily my much drier soil and harsh conditions may slow them down. And they are planted all on their own in a spare bed (note the rock pile), so they are corralled.