Getting a man in

I am too short to be a gardener.

Even on my precariously-balanced step-stool I can't reach the tops of the bushes. A number of years ago Husband thought it would be a good idea to plant bamboo, despite Younger Son advising against it on environmental grounds. We now have enough bamboo to feed a small panda family for a year.

My main aim today was to make the area lighter for my roses.

You may not be able to see clearly but I cut down enough to fill six large garden bags. I don't think self-sufficiency in garden canes is reason enough to plant bamboo, if anyone's considering it. And, of course, it's impossible to get rid of.

I resorted to what I'm good at - destruction - after finding most of my seedlings have vanished/died. Very disheartening.

On the other hand, the parsnips tossed into the compost bin seem to be flourishing.

We were given loads of parsnips in Zac's and when I'd come to the end of my parsnip creativity I threw the rest away. How do parsnips grow? Like potatoes maybe? So we might have a good crop.

Husband used to cut the bushes/hedges with a hedge trimmer. I think the idea of me wielding a dangerous weapon, especially if perched on said precariously balanced step-stool, is a risk too far. I could run amok like they do in cartoons.

He'll be able to do it again one day, maybe, but possibly in the meantime we should consider getting a man in.