To prevent water-logging, Ethan set the pot on ceramic ‘feet’. A whole wheelbarrow two-thirds full of spring bulbs awaited his attention. Though he had planted a lot earlier, the work still threatened to get away from him. A glance at the sky as he stood and brushed his hands on his thighs should have filled him with joy. Not a bad day for the time of year. No real frost yet. One freezing day the whole week, on an afternoon he spent in the sauna with Richard Gardener. Nice to use it as an excuse for his being behind, but a couple of hours made little difference.
“Don’t nag, Dad. I got two of the beds planted and I pruned the roses.” Still needed to cover the delicate plants, those requiring protection during the winter with garden fleece. Last evening, he had worked on and stayed out late
