Hola, fellow plant lovers,
At the end of August, I entered the Gardening Club show. I didn't place in any of the craft or flower display classes, but I received a first in pot plants, a second in the grasses, a second in the alpine bowl garden, and a third for my selection of herbs. I volunteered for the whole day, so I got to see the judging, which was really interesting. I may have done something that is not allowed. I was talking to the vegetable judge (I was a runner, taking the winning entries from the volunteers with the judges and delivering them to the show masters). Anyway, the judge was telling me how he judges some of the entries, particularly a corn on the cob. He was explaining how it can be risky with them, as they have to be closed, and corn is challenging to grow. Sometimes, there can be no corn actually on the cob when he opens it, revealing only a tuft of hair. This particular one was a perfect corn cob. I picked it up without thinking and said, "I just want to put googly eyes on it as it looks like it has hair and arms with the leaves hanging down" I don't know if you have ever entered a garden show, but there are strict rules around not touching the entries. The judge tried not to laugh, I think lol.
I never thought that I was competitive, but it appears I am discovering new things about myself all the time. My friend, who has been gardening for 52 years, was distraught that I had beaten him in every class that I entered, especially the alpine bowl garden class, as he had lent me the bowl and stones for my entry. He hasn't stopped telling everyone about his defeat, and he has since gone out and purchased the biggest grass you have ever seen for next year's show. Next year marks the club's anniversary, and we are planning a range of exciting events.
The Gardening club also had a stall at a local open day this weekend, so my son and I volunteered for that. It was fun talking to people about the club or selling plants to them. As you know, I do love talking about plants, especially to fellow plant lovers, so you could say I was in my element.
My work recently commissioned me to make planters and hanging baskets for them. They look stunning right now, and hopefully they will continue to add colour throughout the darkness that is soon to come in Autumn and Winter. I picked evergreen plants for the planters, adding some trusty violas and pansies. Unfortunately, I don't get to work with plants often, so when I do, I am genuinely grateful because it's horrible doing something that you don't particularly love for money. Still, many of us experience a lack of joy in our lives, so I know I am not alone.
I'm dreading when the plant life goes to sleep in the Winter, thank goodness for houseplants. I have been applying for new jobs, but I rarely get an interview or even a response. It certainly feels like this country is getting worse. My youngest son also lost his job as the company he worked for went bust, so we are both trying to find employment. My son is on a ticking clock because he stands to lose a year of the apprenticeship he started, and he is so talented at joinery; it would be a real shame if he loses it. I have suggested moving areas because I would do that so that he at least has an opportunity, as there doesn't appear to be a lot when we are. I've been experiencing a lot of stress lately, with some really upsetting things happening, but I don't want to talk about them. If you follow my social media, you may have noticed that I am struggling to be as jolly as usual, and I don't show my face as often. I have a lot of decisions to make and very few choices, which is shit, but that is frequently how life is or has been for me anyway.
On a positive note, it's almost time for the succulents in the house to shine and start their growth period. I'm glad we added succulents and cacti to our collection, which reminds me that I need to feed the plants, so I will stop there, bidding you lots of health and happiness.
Muchos love