IN 1947, when my uncles Bob and Jim were demobbed from the armed forces, they were given builders’ trowels and told to learn how to lay bricks. This they duly did until the 1990s, when they packed up their cement mixer and retired.
I’ve had the trowels ever since. Although a little worn on the handles, they’re still fit for purpose and a pleasure to use – especially as they conjure happy childhood memories of helping Bob and Jim on building sites.
One of those sites is the house I live in now. I only found out they’d worked on it after we’d put in an offer, and although Jim said he ‘wouldn’t touch the place with a barge pole’ we bought it anyway, and added an extension. It’s because of the extension (or, more specifically, where the added gutters flow) that I’ve had to put Bob and Jim’s trowels to work.
Denne historien er fra July 29, 2023-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra July 29, 2023-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters