Miguel and John met Mrs L who had craftily organised to borrow her neighbour's brown bin ('they're £7!') ahead of a major trimming sesh.

First up were the brambles ("not the ones with the blackberries on") ✅ then a "strange small tree" (we had no idea either). ✅ It was not plain sailing, however, as the one pair of hedge trimmers available were as blunt as a Blunt family reunion, and about as effective as slapping the plants with a tea towel.

Cue an emergency break to completely dismantle the choppers (ball bearings EVERYWHERE), stick the handles back on (they fell off again) and sharpen them on a brick. ✂️🧱🙃

The onset of rain only fuelled our fire, and by the end of the session, two of the garden's three borders were cleared and tidied. The gnomes could see daylight again! People could use the path! The strange small tree was slightly smaller!

Now all we need is some sunshine for Mrs L to get out into her yard and enjoy all that space. 🌞