Girija and I headed to Camberwell this morning for some gardening at Mrs V’s place.

Mrs V’s garden had just been renovated but needed some troublesome weeds to be removed and a general tidy up.

Armed with tools and bags to fill, we set to work just as the sky’s opened up. Nonetheless, after an hour or so our mission was complete, the garden looking more spruce, the shed put in order and a very satisfied Mrs V with the result. Then after a quick chinwag, we loaded up the refuse bins and headed on our way.

Saturday morning in Peckham saw Chris and I reporting for gardening duty at Mr L's house. Upon entering his garden, I was reminded of the latest Jurassic Park film that I'd seen the night before - overgrown doesn't do it justice.

Mr L didn't have a mower (or indeed much in the way of conventional gardening tools) but what he did produce were two machetes that proved more useful than any shears or secateurs. Dividing up the garden equally, Chris and I set to work hacking and cleaving paths through the wilderness. In one hour the transformation was impressive, if we say so ourselves - and Mr L did. Another trip is required but the garden has been tamed, although still feral!