Nigel Goes All Prickly

On Saturday afternoon (prior to Eurovision) Hugh's "man that does" asked Nigel if he would like to accompany him to the local village plant sale, there were a couple of plants he fancied for Hugh's herbaceous borders, the company would be much appreciated and having someone to stand over the bags in all the melee would also be most welcome.

As Nigel had been in previous years he was no stranger to the fact that it could get pretty rough as people jostled into postion, ready to grab the last lesser spotted begonia, tripled headed lupin or box of tomato plants ...... but the opportunity to spend time with a man who tilled Hugh's soil and discuss provocation propagation and cross population pollination made it all worth while. 

Plus..... there was also the promise of some "village ladies cake", as Hugh had asked him look out for a large walnut and coffee  to which he was very partial and a cherry bakewell, if they hadn't all gone.  Nigel was well chuffed as he managed to secure both. plus a rock bun for himself and Hugh's "man that does" to eat in the van on the way back.

Nigel guarded the purchased plants with great aplomb, a few people did caste admiring glances at them, but Nigel stood firm, saying that they were all spoken for.

And then, while Hugh's man that does was loading up the van, Nigel had a little mooch around too and duly purchased a cactus's something he's always, always wanted .......  way before he'd heard Hugh and Darrell discussing how en-trend and "must have" they were at the moment.  At 50p it was a considered and emotional purchase for the little fella. 

Then, as a small detour on the way back to Le Chicken Coop Hugh's "man that does" asked Nigel if he's like to see the "monument" the local hostelry had erected in honour of Hugh's custom! What can we say, except that it was an .....erm....... impressive accomplishment.

Needless to say Hugh was over the moon with all the treasures that his "man that does" and Nigel bought back with them .......

.......... and then followed a wonderful afternoon of endless chatter, celbrity gossip  .......

........ talk of our eurovision dreams and so much laughter it hurt  .....................

....... while Hugh's "man that does" did all the planting while listening to a podcast of Gardener's Question Time.  Happy Days.