Shopping

This photo wasn’t taken today. Today was a quite different story. Same place, the Fit Family residence, but with substantially more rain and significantly less sunblock. All these handsome plants are now safely in their new homes and most are settling in nicely.

I enjoy a bit of shopping, that has been well documented, and plants are high up on my list of preferred acquisitions, especially if someone else is footing the bill. It took two attempts to visit the nursery these goodies were purchased; reached down an obscure country lane with no obvious signage. A proper old school establishment, replete with polytunnels and dutch trolleys, classic fare. The first time they told us, through padlocked gates, that they were preparing for Chelsea and we were turned away. I am assuming this was the RHS Garden Show rather than a West London football derby, but I might be mistaken. The second time, the gate was again locked but after suspicious side glances and mutterings they allowed us entry. I’m not sure if Mrs Fit whispered a secret password or unveiled threat, or perhaps they remembered that in order to run a business they should allow people in to buy plants. Any are possible.

Once we had gained access to the permissible polytunnels (“not that one! or that one!”), we shopped with stealth and precision, nods or head shakes confirming or disapproving choices, before moving onto the next tranche.

Our choices were packed into the back of the car, payment was made and we were on our way home with just enough time to unload before I had to leave for the day. Which meant that the following week I was reminded yet again of the fabulous plants we bought. And all over again I marveled at their beauty and smiled.

Although this simple tale is a snapshot of a sunny morning a few weeks ago, perhaps this is the day we need something bright and beautiful to remind us, well, that bright and beautiful things do exist.