Karma Camellia

The British Red Cross requested Goodgym help Mr P care for his pride and joy: his garden. A recent health diagnosis has limited Mr P to very short stints of garden maintenance, so some assistance in the upkeep of his greatest source of pleasure was very welcome.

Local Goodgymer Sean made his way to the address and rang the doorbell. Mr P greeted Sean, "They tell me you'd run here. Did you run here?", "Yes.. well, most of the way". Mr P showed Sean through to the back garden where the necessary tools for the job were neatly laid out: sheers, loppers, secateurs and a green garden waste wheelie bin.

Mr P outlined the task: trim and shape four Camellia bushes. Very straightforward it would seem. However, mindful of the wonderfully crafted surroundings, Sean asked for some guidance from the master-gardener. Mr P duly obliged with a little demonstration.

Sean put on his gloves and got to work. A while later he'd finished the second bush. Mr P appeared with a tankard of iced squash for the thirsty volunteer. They chatted about the garden and Goodgym. Mr P shared his knowledge of Camellias. Unusually, they flower through the winter months so give the garden a nice pop of colour at Christmas time.

Sean continued pruning back the next two Camellias. Once they were nicely shaped, it was time to tidy up. As Sean swept up, some strong gusts of wind whipped a mass of leaves into the air. He imagined he was in the Crystal Maze grasping for golden tokens.

On completion, Mr P offered his approval of the work. Sean expressed his thanks, too. Mr P's garden is a such a lovely space to spend time. It was a pleasure to steal ninety minutes immersed in it. As Sean departed, Mr P grinned, "Now, run all the way home!"