We used to have nightmares about heading South at the end of May, or early June. Our concerns were always about LONG GRASS.
Two years running we returned to metre-high grass. 'Rory', my mower, can cope with grass up to about 20 cms, but not a lot more. If I try to mow longer grass, especially if it's damp, the underneath will become clogged. Mowing dry, shortish, and regularly, is the way to go.
So, why did we return to such long grass? Well, it's very simple; we couldn't find anyone to mow it for us. We visited all the local 'gardeners', but they were all too busy. We did find one local man who said he'd do it, but he didn't. With all the unemployment around, one would have thought that a simple investment in a £2,000 (max) mower would have provided a young person with a job for life; but they prefer to do nothing.
.JPG)
Luckily we have now found someone, although, unusually, he doesn't own his own mower. He is reliable, fastidious, and honest; and this year we expect to return home with everything looking pristine. He is also looking after Rory, and makes sure he has his tyres pumped and his battery fizzy. We are not expecting any nasty surprises.
2024 will be the first year for over two decades that we return to a much smaller area of lawns. The barn has been sold, so there is only the land around the cottage to deal with. Not a big area. Haddock's also needs some attention, but again it's not big.
The interesting bit will be to see if the new owner of the barn (who I've not yet met) is keeping his extensive lawns in the same state as I used to; i.e. perfect. I can hardly wait.
I often smile at the folk that are on 'Buying in another Country' style shows that want a holiday home. We rarely see a real lock-up-and-leave property let alone the cost and possible worry of maintaining a large garden.
ReplyDeleteEspecially now that we are not allowed to live there for more than 90 days a year (unless one jumps through hoops). I don't really mind as we have a nice home here in the UK, and I've had 50 good years living in France.
Delete"Luckily we have now found someone, although, unusually, he doesn't own his own mower."
ReplyDeleteCro, this is getting far more common... trailers over 500 kilo rating have to be CT/MoT'd and the costs have spiralled... as have the costs of a decent mower [6500€ to replace ours... bought for 2950€ only five years ago] and the cheapest in Bricomarché is 2000€ for a small garden ride-on!!
A gardener friend who used to have a mower now only mows for people who own a ride-on that he can use.... and he is still inundated with work!! He also calculated that not fuelling or towing his mower [which is the next model up from our big one] has saved him a fortune... his big trailer has gone as well and he's got a 500kilo rated one with removable sides so he can get the mower on it if needed, so no CT tests.
And the house owners seem very pleased and he does what yours does for Rory!!
Win-win!!
I suppose it's a good solution. I put-up a Poly-tunnel last year for Rory's storage, but I was advised against it, as high humidity might cause rust. I have no other building for him, so will build one this Summer. At present R is being stored about 1km away.
DeleteAll that grass would play havoc with my hay fever!
ReplyDeleteThe worst is the Pine Pollen. It comes off the trees in huge yellow clouds, and covers everything.
DeleteYou could save a heck of a lot of hassle if you just turned it into a lovely wildflower meadow with paths cut through it.
ReplyDeleteI did exactly that with the lawns up at the barn. At our cottage the mowing takes about 15 mins, so really not a great task.
DeleteCro, " a lovely wildflower meadow with paths cut through it."
DeleteMuch better for the environment, though.....
MUCH better for the environment!!
A petrol strimmer would solve any long grass problem.
ReplyDeleteWe have a cheap electric one, but I'm thinking of buying a better petrol model. A good addition to the garden kit.
DeleteAnother good addition would be a scythe. When sweeping with it, you would look like Old Father Time
DeleteI have one, but am useless at using it.
DeleteDon't let him cut it too short as it will be brown and patchy. I was told always mow higher but mow more often ! ..... but, what do I know 🤷🏼♀️. ?XXXX
ReplyDeleteI tend to keep mine about 3 cms high. Certainly not putting green length.
DeleteI remember going back to long grass each year, not to mention a courtyard full of weeds!
ReplyDeleteOne year (2 years ago?) we spent two whole weeks cutting, and raking. It ruined the start of our stay. Hopefully it's a thing of the past now.
DeleteMy parents struck a deal with a neighbor, he used their riding mower to cut both his lawn and theirs. It saved him needing to buy and store a mower, and kept their lawn cut while they were gone for a few months each year.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately my neighbours are not very co-operative. In previous times everyone would have been queueing at my door to help-out. Such is life!
DeleteReturning to your home in France with the lawn in order will be great. The new owner of the barn conversion must be fully settled and getting on well.
ReplyDeleteIt will make a huge difference. I'm looking forward to meeting the new owner; I just hope he's pleasant.
DeleteI hope you find beautifully trimmed grass. We always know when owners are coming out to their villas. The waist-high grasses and weeds in their gardens disappear about a day or two before they arrive!
ReplyDeleteOur man has been keeping everything in order even when we're not there. It's only the postman who benefits.
Delete