I have had two meetings with Bonsai since the last report and the following is the latest situation. In general terms now that the weather is starting to improve the gardeners will be spending more time with us.

• Last week the fir trees were sprayed as a couple of nests of “hairy caterpillars” had been found.
• All the “sloping” flower beds will now be weeded – this has to be done by hand as weed killer will also kill the plants!  It could take some time.  I’m tempted to go out and have a go myself – only tempted though!
• We are still awaiting a resolution to the irrigation system’s problems – watch this space.
• Some replalcement bushes will be planted to improve the hedging alongside the pavement.
• As the weather is improving all flower beds will now be sprayed with fertiliser and fungicide.
• Block 1 – I have requested the removal and replacement of the dilapidated lavender bush by the entrance to the block.
• Blocks 2 and 3 – now that plants are again available in the nurseries gaps in the small hedges in front of the blocks will be filled with new hedging bushes.
• Block 5 – a small garden has been created at the end of the block and the area surrounding it will be covered with gravel rather than soil.  This will be in keeping with the area opposite block 5 by the pool.  (Two plants have already been removed from this garden – we are checking whether one of the gardeners has decided to replace with different plants, or whether someone has decided to help themselves!)  The lavender and rosemary  bushes are still there!
• Due to the bad weather some of the tall lamps by Block 5 have not been working – it seems water got into the electrics.
• The 4 raised flower beds to the side of the pool area will be improved by planting rose bushes around the tree in the centre of each bed to add some colour and hopefully some perfume!  Let’s hope no one decides to help themselves to those as well!

Pool area:

• There has been an on-going problem with the pool lights.  Either the main pool is alight and not the baby pool or vice versa.  The electrician is bemused and is trying to resolve the problem.   This seems to have happened since the installation of the new transformer.  Until the problem is resolved the lights will only be on for a couple of hours each evening as the electrics are getting very hot!
• The repairs to the path surrounding the pool have been completed.
• All the trees have been pruned where necessary.