Becky and James descended on Ms N's backyard garden with a solemn mission: to cut back the ivy, mow the lawns and do some general weeding and landscape micro-management. We were just the team for the job.

With a shed-load of tools at our disposal and a lovely sunny afternoon before us, we got straight to work. First though, like all good horticultural surgeons, we donned our gardening gloves. Then began the hour-long procedure.

Becky took the lead, making quick inroads on the weeds before firing up the mower and giving the lawn a banging new 'do (some length off the top, short on the sides with a layered texture). The smell of freshly cut grass sent us momentarily back to our childhoods.

Nostalgic reverie over, James took to the ivy... but did the ivy take to James? The jury is out on that point, but soon Mrs N's side of the fence was looking most spick and span.

The overreaching ivy from next door had been put in its place - its new place that is, a lovely spacious garden waste bin featuring open-plan living, solid plastic floors and free off-street parking. Unfortunately for the ivy this is just a short-term let.

The team then tidied up and repacked the toolshed before saying goodbye to the very friendly and helpful Ms N, feeling satisfied we had made a difference.