The joy of watering on a summer night

Hi folks, life goes on doesn’t it? I have to forget my magnolia blues.

The tree may be gone but if I see part of it serving a useful purpose it will soften the blow. I must wait though on a son’s visit and persuade him to attach birdbath to stand. My carpentry skills are zilch.

I like to think I am a good ‘‘doit-yourselfer’’ but I have limitations when it comes to anything with carpentry skills. When I use a hammer I can never line up the nails – my fingers get in the way. I know the rudiments, but I come to grief when I try to put theory into practice.

I reckon at my age there is no need to persevere when it comes to a hammer or saw, after all, is not that the reason I have two sons? They often stay overnight so are used to my small requests.

They don’t like to refuse, and they do get a good meal in return. No, I am doing them an injustice, they are more than happy to do anything I ask. If my ideas are not feasible they soon tell me it can’t be done or suggest a better way to do it.

Yes, it is important to get the right advice for the bird-bath.

After my two long hard days in the garden last week I have been a tad lethargic. To be honest it has really been too hot for gardening. I have resorted to easy inside jobs through the day.

But I am happy to feel the warmth and sunshine. It feels like summer has come to stay. These hot days one of my favourite things to do is to water the garden in the cool of the evening. I like to hold the hose and water by hand.

I can talk to my plants and also make sure I give an extra little boost to any plants which are drooping. I water the ground around their roots but some plants are partial to a little refreshing spray on their leaves as well.

Plants have no option other than stay in one place and take the brunt of the midday sun. Unlike us, they cannot move into the shade or put on airconditioning.

Yes, life is about moving on but it is also about enjoying the lovely things around us.