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I haven’t done a garden post in a long time, primarily because I hardly ever seem to have time to do any gardening anymore. But as my beloved insisted I clean the pond filter and tackle another invasion of Box Tree Moth caterpillars again, I thought to myself, “Why not?”

What better way to spend the hottest day of the year than with five hours of exhausting labour? Okay, yes, I would have said kicking my feet up and eating mango kulfi too, but such are the things we must do for love.

I’m not going to claim I’m a talented gardener. The days of feeling motivated to blitz it are behind us. With all these new aches and pains that descend post-forty, I’m a casual gardener at best. I do the bare minimum to keep it looking tidy. Nature takes care of the rest.

The box hedges look tidier now, but unfortunately the caterpillars have taken their toll. They seem to be capable of devouring the lot in a couple of days. Here’s hoping the latest treatment of Bacillus thuringiensis will stop them in their tracks.

It’s a bit of a jungle still around the pond, but hopefully the fish and frogs will be happy for another week. It’s an unpleasant job cleaning the filter, but somebody has to do it. Common theme here.

Still, the front garden seems to have the ability to mostly look after itself, with it’s own quaint charm. Some real beauties come out in the sun, year after year.

Of course, after the front garden, there’s the back to contend with. Mowing the lawn will help tidy things up, but alas, those flower beds need weeding again.

Unfortunately, this job is a never ending chore, as all the dandelions in our little courtyard garden make clear. Can’t seem to persuade the other 3/4 of the household to do anything to help anymore.

Never mind. Keeps me out of mischief. I always wanted a cottage garden when I was dreaming away my youth, so best I count my blessings. Alhamdulilah. Though, personally, I think it looked alright before.

And with that, I’m off for a walk to buy the mango kulfi I truly think I deserve it. Mission aborted: apparently I don’t deserve it after all!