Living and Gardening in Brittany

 After 2 weeks in UK I returned to find that I had missed so much good weather which meant that the grass had grown and the leaves were 3 inches deep. My first job was to be to use the lawn mower to collect them. It wouldn't start. I took it to be repaired and was told for the second time that the petrol was old and the carburetter needed cleaning. So the grass is still growing and the lawnmower is still being repaired. The good news was that my home-made green house was still standing. Most of the cuttings are doing well. I can't wait 'til spring to plant them out. I have been digging to widen the flower beds and to make room for the new shrubs.

One of the things I have missed here is badminton. Recently I joined  a local club. I had to have a medical certificate from the Dr. I made an appointment and had the consultation but had to return for an ECG. The Dr. said I should have a blood test really but she understood that English people were struggling financially. Oh how right she was Everything is so different here. I arrived at 8.50 for a 9.00 appointment. The surgery was not open. The receptionist had not even arrived. She came at 9.00 on the dot and the Dr. ten minutes later. So different from UK.

One year old Jacob next to Granddad's Bedding plants Not my garden but cheerful for the winter Bridge hidden by nasturtiums but they have been removed and I hope next spring the irises will enhance it.

I have finally resigned as vice-chair of  JUBBIL. I hope I shall have more time to write my second novel and to keep developing my garden. I have begun to construct a greenhouse/shelter for my cuttings. I am also creating a raised dividing bed. I visited a brilliant nursery which is very close to my house. They have thousands of plants and specialise in roses. I bought a black bamboo and a Paul's Hymalayan Musk which should grow to 30 feet. I have replanted my tulips and enlarged all my flower beds to make room for the monbretia given to me by a friend.  I have also moved the iris from under an old oak because they didn't flower in the shade. Now they have a lovely sunny place next to my tiny puddle of a pond and Monet's Bridge.