Back in the garden and lots of morning glory to pull

Back in my garden today after five weeks away, leading garden tours in England, Wales and Ireland, and I already see how much work I need to do.

There is so much morning glory. It has grown everywhere. How has it managed to get a hold so fast in such a short time.

Jet-lag meant I woke early this morning and was able to get into the garden by 6:30 and start snipping and pulling up morning glory smothering some of my favourite plants.

After five weeks of living the life of Riley – full-English breakfasts every day, no dishes to wash, no beds to make, endless pints of Guinness to quaff, and my only exercise being the less than arduous task of leisurely strolling around beautiful gardens each day – I welcomed this opportunity to get back in the garden and start working and once again feeling the simple pleasure of weeding and sweeping up fallen leaves.

Thanks to my friend, Fiona Lewis, the garden got watered regularly while I was gone. She very kindly came to water and watch over the garden in my absence.

She did a wonderful job and I intend to reward her with a fabulous gift and lots of prosecco.

The other great pleasure I have on returning home is to hand out gifts to my grandchildren.

We always bring back many lovely presents for them. In fact, that is what I am about to do right now, as my son, Joel, has just arrived with his two lovely daughters and I have a giant gift bag to empty. The fight to eradicate morning glory will have to wait.

swhysall@hotmail.com