After a false start for a rained off mission, it was double good deeds for Juliet and Vic as they spent two sunny Saturdays making the garden safe, clean accessible for Mrs B and her dog companion.

Week one and we tackled the patio seating area, picking up rubbish, clearing back the weeds, sweeping, and Juliet even taking down a small tree with a pair of loppers with Vic bravely stepping in to move ‘giant’ spiders that were ‘running at’ Juliet. A set of patio furniture was cleaned off and rearranged to leave Mrs B with a clean and pleasant place to sit, with Juliet even finding a couple of surviving potted plants to decorate the area. Mrs B was pleased with what we had done and we promised to return to finish the mission, having noticed the other end of the garden unfortunately unsafe to use due the vast amount of dog poo. We decided to return with the correct materials to clear the garden safely.

Week two and we arrived prepared to tackle the main portion of the garden. Once the rather unpleasant task of clearing up after the dog had been completed, Vic and Juliet were able to collect rubbish and tackle the more fun tasks of pulling up weeds and enthusiastic pruning of ivy and overgrown bushes. Juliet reminded Vic that we only had one bin for garden waste, but by this time Vic had discovered a hidden ivy-covered bench and birdbath and could not be stopped!

Pausing for breath, we observed nature being nature, with recent rain having brought out hundreds of snails who appeared to be making the most of the day by participating in some alfresco Summer Lovin’.

Once the garden was cleared of six bags of chopped down branches and ivy, Juliet discovered the missing washing line and it was able to be put up which delighted Mrs B who was looking forward to being able to dry her laundry in the lovely summer sun.

Once the task was finished, Mrs B brought out some sausage rolls which were enjoyed before Mrs B brought out her lovely dog companion who enthusiastically gobbled down some treats brought by Juliet, but not before she (the dog, not Juliet) tried to steal Mrs B’s sausage rolls.

We were happy to leave the task knowing Mrs B and her dog could safely access and enjoy her garden.