Extracts

May 8th: The slugs are in conversation

"Are you thinking what I am thinking, Swaddie?"

"Gardener has gone out, sir."

"There is no knowing what she may come back with, Swaddie."

"Slug pellets, do you think, sir?"

"After the sweet peas, Swaddie, I am just a little anxious."

"She wants to be an organic gardener, sir. There are rules."

"She has no integrity, Swaddie. She picks and chooses her principles, as the fancy takes her."

"We could have it all wrong, sir. She may have gone to buy bedding plants, sir, perhaps some violas with pretty faces?"

"I fear the worst, Swaddie. As I said before we must be extra vigilant."

"But in the meantime, sir, until she comes back, what do you say to a French bean?"

"Something savoury would be a treat, Swaddie."

"A bit too much iris petal last, sir?"

"Quite delicious, Swaddie, but very sweet."

"The French beans will pick you up, sir. Good plain fare, that is what we shall have tonight."