Listening to gentle birdsong and avoiding the swooping robin aiming
for the clink of Jackie’s implements as she cleared the Dead End Path of pernicious onion bulbs, I wandered around the garden to discover what had changed since Thursday.
New blooms emerging included clematis Sunset, another rhododendron, a red peony, and a yellow antirrhinum beside the eucalyptus,
which bore more of Jackie’s fresh hanging baskets.
Other planting included a trio of terracotta containers and another blue plastic one resting on a wooden chair.
Martin had ensured that much more light would filter through the Palm Bed.
This evening we dined, with Crystal and Margaret, at The Beach House just outside Milford on Sea. We failed to make a booking because we hadn’t realised that Polly, who answered the phone, and kept telling us she couldn’t understand us was AI generated. We therefore just turned up and spoke to a real young man who immediately got our frustration, showed us to a table, and treated us with friendly and efficient service throughout our stay. I shared a bottle of Merlot with Margaret and Crystal, enjoyed a burger, salad, and chips, and an Eton mess dessert, and have forgotten what the others consumed.
Crystal drove us back home and photographed the garden fairy lights.
Sounds like Some Enchanted Evening. The Gardeners hard work is very evident.
Thank you very much, Pat
Your garden is so beautiful. I love seeing Jackie in her element, too.
So weird about the AI phone answerer. I’m glad it all worked out.
Thank you very much, Merril. Margaret guessed it was AI, asked the thing, and it was confirmed.
I guess they have some fine-tuning to do.
Jackie: Master Gardener! Everything looks wonderful, guys. AI is not good, it needs to vanish…
Agreed. Thanks very much, John
Jackie, you and Martin have done a wonderful job on the gardens, Derrick. They are beautiful!
The AI phone assistants are not quite there yet, either side of The Pond.
Thank you so much from each of us, Lavinia
The hard word of you, Jackie and Martin are evidenced in each of your photos. Beautiful!
Thank you so much, Donna
We all have to deal with a Polly soon I suspect. It will be very boring.
Madness. Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Lovely bonding Derrick. I really hate AI, very unnatural. Hi Jackie😍
Beautiful blooming Derrick.
Thank you very much, Cindy
Oh, so many lovely hanging baskets, and which reminds me it’s time to rejuvenate and repot my ‘two’ baskets, Derrick
Thank you very much, Ivor
It’s clear that Jackie loves being the gardener extraordinaire. I love the hanging baskets!
Thank you very much, JoAnna
I don’t know anyone who gets as much pleasure from their garden as you an dJackie. Her from planting it and you from sharing it, although I know you share the labors as well.
Thank you iso much, Judy
Superb progress! Your garden is gorgeous, lively and thriving…such a joy to find new growth and new blossoms every day! 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn XX
I’m so glad you finally managed to get a table. I can understand why the staff are often too busy to answer the phone, but I wonder why they are using AI instead of a simple online booking form like most places use.
Apparently it is the decision of “the higher ups”. Thanks very much, Sue
I find that making reservations is easier online and difficult by phone. Google maps usually has a link. Your garden is lovely.
Thank you very much, Sherry
Everything looking lovely Derrick… Well Done Jackie, it is surprising in just a few days just what changes in a garden… Lovely blooms <3
Thank you very much from each of us, Sue XX
A lot of hard work, but just look at what you’ve accomplished!!!
Thank you so much, GP
Well, at least you didn’t have a robot server at The Beach House.
He certainly made up for the AI nonsense. Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick. I’m rapidly losing patience with all the AI nonsense.
It sounds like a lovely relaxed day.
Thank you very much, Robbie
What a wonderful picture of Jackie. AI could use a lot of improvement. I feel it is more confusing than helpful.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Amazing progress with clearing the onion bulbs while spring explodes with more colors. I also find it terribly frustrating dealing with AI generated phone service! Glad to hear that you were able to get a table on arrival.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene. Normality eventually prevailed.
Jackie looks delighted with the splendid results of her hard work.
Your attempt at communication with AI Polly is hilarious.
Thanks very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick.
The ‘I’ in AI is certainly a misnomer. 🙂
Indeed Thanks a lot Widders
I did indeed photograph the fairy lights and will post them in a week or so, once we are back home.
I look forward to that, Crystal. Thank you very much
Such beauty from your gardens.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
My OH used to have that problem with AI responders but no more. Clearly they have been programmed to recognize French spoken with an English accent.
Thanks very much, Sheree. I had no idea they were using AI for this
Cropping up everywhere Derrick