A Day In The Life With Covid19

It's a very strange world we find ourselves in at the moment. As gardeners, we are allowed to carry on working, provided we take the necessary precautions. Already, we are being asked to supply updated risk assessments and method statements to take into account the current health risks. We work from two vans, Bex in one, and me and Amanda in the other. Both vehicles are wiped down daily, all tools are now completely separated between the two vehicles, and are also wiped down at the end of each day. 

Emails were sent to every customer and manager, stating that we were willing and able to continue working, provided EVERYONE kept the hell away from us, or we would immediately walk off site and not return until the threat was over. I have to say that everyone, and that is a total of nearly 4000 people, have stayed true to this, apart from one very elderly Spanish lady in a retirement complex. She just isn't understanding the current threat, and has to be told each time to back off. She is very isolated and lonely, and was in tears as she explained how lovely and helpful, and understanding we were when working in the garden. Normally I would just hug her, and reassure her, but my empathy had to be projected over the twelve feet between us. It was a difficult moment.

It's been a true blessing to be able to be outside in our gardens. Only a couple of very large contracts have been put on 'hold' by the agents. We are not sure why, but they do have there own reasons, and subsequent paperwork to fill. Bex had been signed off for two weeks due to her partner being sent home with a cough, all quite unrelated as it turned out, and she thankfully returned to the fold last week. It was a tough week work wise.

It's early spring, and warm, and things are growing. Nothing out of the ordinary, but with a man down previously, I was already tired out from the previous two weeks cover. There was however laughter. Normally each day is started with a coffee shop and plan for the day. Now, it's a 12 foot smile and chat on our pavement, Buddy has to do without stroking and nuzzling, and then we are off. 

Customers are being very supportive, and encouraging. Nothing but good wishes. One even recommended us to a new potential client whose gardeners are retiring, and we will make contact  tomorrow. The place looks exciting and very pleasant. We shall see.

As for our own garden, this bank holiday has afforded us a good opportunity to enjoy it. There has been sunbathing, reading, crafting and gardening. 

We even have some Echiums coming up big enough to flower! We initially purchased them fifteen years ago on a 'van tour' of Cornwall. They started well for the first couple of years, but since then we have only had a couple of new seedlings that were quickly destroyed by the wind, rain, cold and snow. We are having to stake the latest beauties, and one is already about to flower. Clouds and silver linings eh?

Be safe and healthy.