Wood in the Blood

Doc’s dad was a gardener and a craftsman.  He loved wood most of all and his workshop was so full of different timbers and tools that there was only a Dad-shaped space left for him to work.   He spent many happy hours (or should I say years) sawing, turning and sandpapering hundreds of wonderful objects, most of which he designed himself and sold at craft fairs.  Sometimes he would come in from the workshop and give me a hug and he even smelled of the wood – which was much nicer than any after shave lotion.   

Grandpa has left us now but we have his legacy.  There is a waste bin for every room, letter racks, a bird table and a teapot stand, to name but a few, as well as tatted runners - because he was a dab hand at anything crafty.  And they all help to keep him that bit closer to us.

Doc and his brothers have inherited the making-things gene, as have the smalls.  Doc has built all manner of timber objects from raised beds to pergolas, to shelves and he looks so contented surrounded by sawdust, listening to the rugby on the radio.  Last weekend was no exception and after just a few hours in the garage, he presented me with my new plant ladder.  It is fab.

The space near the greenhouse is sheltered and not too hot which makes it an ideal place for my little plant hospital.  I take pity on withering, sick plants and take great satisfaction in nurturing them back to health.  For years these plants have resided on a table and two chairs but having seen a plant theatre in a National Trust Garden, I decided I could give my patients a more attractive environment.  In fact it is now so attractive that I am using any 'spare beds in the ward' for other plants too!

Plant ladders are very popular now because gardens are smaller and they make use of vertical space.  However, Doc said he would like to make one and it would be cheaper.  In fact, having utilised some bits and pieces in the garage, it only cost him £15. 

There is sense in the make-it and mend-it trend and there is nothing better than being given a handmade gift. I will treasure it always and Grandpa would be proud of him.

NOS has built a couple of very smart raised beds and recently he built a large wooden trough.  He now has his eye on the plant ladder and I expect he will make one too.  No doubt there will be one or two design modifications because fathers and sons are a bit like that, aren’t they?  And just like his Grandpa and his Dad, he will enjoy making it.