Sister-in-law Anna brought a group of gardeners to Piopio and Struan Farm at the end of last week. John and I had been forewarned, so spent several days doing massive weeds, trims, mows. The good thing for us is that the established Homestead gardens tidy up well with just a bit of effort.
But why is it that certain things just don't get done until visiting dignitaries prompt us to do them?
I was reminded of a Thanksgiving many years ago when I got myself into hot water with my father, who decided to oversee his three children on a major housecleaning initiative ahead of visiting relations. Ever the diplomat, I noted that he rarely (if ever) cared about the state of the house, except when outsiders were coming to visit. I'd been provoked, this was after he'd run his finger over something I'd cleaned, sticking said finger in my face and telling me it was still dusty. Suffice it to say I have always had an ability to hit the bull's eye. And so we kids paid the consequences, cleaning and cleaning the rest of that day, laughing and rolling our eyes with references to a certain fascist dictator. That house was gleaming.
John and I do get most jobs done in the Homestead gardens on a timely basis, but there's nothing like a major event or large group of visitors to focus our efforts. Maybe this is something more common than I'd thought--perhaps I should have cut my father a break? We learn certain things with age....
p.s. the gardens are looking pretty good right now!
And it wasn't all work and no play, I did have enough time off from the gardening to whip up a few batches of my lemon verbena shortbread to serve with coffee/tea for the ladies!
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