Two runners from Goodgym Hounslow faced their fears and got stuck in with a perennial problem or two in Isleworth.

After our original mission was aborted, Natasha and Michelle were really pleased to hear we could help out another couple with tidying their garden. Mission possible after all, we set off to meet Ms M and her husband. Ms M is no longer able to manage the upkeep of her garden due to arthritis and her husbands ill health, so was delighted we could step in.

Ms M’s front garden has been overrun with a type of weed that is fast growing and wraps itself around anything in its path. The other plants didn’t stand a chance against the thick blanket of weed which had swamped every inch of Ms M’s flowerbeds. We set to work de-tangling the weeds, taking care not to disturb the ivy and other perennials that Ms M was keen to save. Within a matter of minutes we were joined by three of Ms M’s neighbours who came to see what we were doing. One of the neighbours mistook us for professional gardeners and asked for our business card. Another of Ms M’s neighbours went to fetch a spade and got stuck in digging while we did our best to save the plants Ms M wanted to keep.

We quickly filled four bags of the unwanted weed before Ms M came out to survey our work. We all had a little fright when Ms M lifted up one of the rocks in the flowerbed and a large spider crawled out. Ms M quickly removed spidy and we got on with our task. Not before a thorough check for spiders in our clothes and hair (shudder).

After a quick hydration break we made our way to the back garden and filled two more bags full of leaves. Ms M was really pleased with the start we made on her garden. As we said our goodbyes to Ms M we reflected on our efforts, weave come along way but there’s still more to do so we hope to get back and help Ms M again in the not too distant future.