Gardening leave of absence

My wife and I live in a village in the Samarian hills, about 475m above sea level. Since last September we have been in what in Hebrew is called Shmita. Every 7 years, beginning on Rosh Hashonnah, the Jewish new year, we let the land lie fallow for a year.

For me that means no planting, deadheading, pruning, etc. Cutting the lawn is allowed and also certain other small jobs, like weeding. Our garden is now beginning to look a bit ragged, to put it mildly. But never mind, only 10 months to go...

We love your programme and can’t wait for it to come back. Meanwhile, we’ve enjoyed your winter specials.

Mike, Israel