Not exactly allotment, but news along that line in a way.
I thought that at my age the chances of finding a job to enjoy would be impossible, especially in Belgium which insists on you speaking near perfect Dutch before they will even look at you!
But, last Saturday I went to see the boss of a buxus farm who was looking for someone to take overall care of his 13,000 plants in all growth stages. (13,000…!)…Well, there’s me who can just about spell ‘buxus’ but I’ve done quite a bit of study over the last few days…(!)
Guess what…I got the job! It also includes looking after all the other commercial plants and private gardens around the new house he’s building and the pond, hens, ducks and geese!
Did my first day yesterday. Boss was away for most of it, I was just left to get on with it. When he came back he was more than happy with my efforts and if all goes well over the next 2 weeks it would seem I have a great job. I was out in the sun today among the birds, bees and butterfly’s, watering, fixing leaks, moving plants with a fork-lift truck, doing the odd bit of topiary, (which I have carte blanche on…boom, boom!) And he’s an easy bloke to get along with and I’m just left alone to ‘get on with it while he goes and does business at the main depot.
This could be good even tho’ I came home knackered and dirty on my first day. Second day today and like yesterday I was just left to sort things out myself, no-one looking over my shoulder or checking my work. Even got a car to run around the ‘estate’ in today.
The pay isn’t fantastic but what gardening work is? But I’m not paying travel expenses or hanging around bus-stops or driving on account of the job is just 10 min’s away on my push-bike.
This could be a bit of alright….here’s hoping.
And here’s a few pic’s of my buxus kingdom.
great that you've landed on your feet, kk..have fun ;D
Good luck Ken, i hope you enjoy it , it looks great. all the best Mary ;D ;D
Best wishes Ken, nice to hear your news.
Lorna
Great news Ken! All the best :)
wow looks great !
Friday is the day. This week there have been others after the job. One is a Uni grad with a pocketful of diploma's and another is a plant nurseryman of many years standing. The only thing in my favour at the moment is that I've been on site for 2 weeks being 'tested'.
This week I installed a permanent metal pipe watering system over about an acre of land, wired-up an electronic self watering system for pot plants and operated a bulldozer with forks and bucket for a variety of tasks. Mended a puncture, looked after new geese and hen chicks and chased deer off the premises. Not exactly your run of the mill 'Gardener' type work.
Me thinks tomorrow will be an interesting day! Can't wait.
Keep us posted Ken. Fingers crossed. ;)
That looks and sounds great Ken! Will send positive thoughts your way...
keeping all sorts crossed for you, kk..positive vibes on the way tonight ;D