To Bay or not to Bee...

Sunday...runday! I made it my mission today to incorporate half marathon training into the GoodGym task so ran the 10km to Mrs C's house. Cue much confusion over the time of the mission. I thought it started at 12 and Michael thought it started at 1:30! Somehow, we both arrived a good fifteen minutes early (it was a 1pm start).

Ms C greeted us and led us through to the oasis in her back garden. After some health troubles, Ms C explained that she'd potted some colourful plants this year but was struggling with some of the larger trees. Ms C gave us a tour of the garden and highlighted the woodland area favoured by her grandchildren. This revealed a hidden danger that regular GoodGymmers will be aware of - the toxic Lords and Ladies. A pretty flower but with a hidden poison. Ms C asked if we would dig this up - she preferred her grandchildren to the pretty flower!

We got to work. Ms C furnished us with a lot of tools, including the miniature versions that her grandchildren use. We started by digging up the Lords and Ladies before moving on to the out of control Buddleia. Ms C explained that it was preventing her from accessing some of her plants, including her Irish Rose. Despite the misgivings given the popularity of the Buddleia with the bees, it was time to cut it right back.

Cue a whole conversation about bees! Who knew that a honey bee can live for seven years and that they are always only twenty minutes from death?! Thanks Michael for the interesting facts!

Onwards to the very large Bay Tree. We managed to cut it back to something a little more manageable. Our clippings had now completely filled the green bin.

Right on cue, Ms C appeared with a tray of snacks and drinks. We had a coffee whilst Ms C told us about her grandchildren and her love of plants. It was now time to head off. Our work was done for today!