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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Susie Steiner

Garden design - courtesy of Bob the Builder

Susie Steiner's garden - before (left) and after the builders moved in
Susie Steiner's garden - before (left) and after the builders moved in. Photograph: Susie Steiner

Building work is stressful on so many levels, but I never realised how it would feel to have workmen repeatedly throw planks on top of my camellias. And rubble all over my geraniums (planted a mere three months ago and just beginning to thrive). And to see old pieces of pipe hurled at my ornamental quince. Don't even get me started on my purple pennisetum.

I've only had my garden for a year, and had spent the spring and summer months obsessively planning and planting and poring over one single border. The border that has now been trashed.

I have tried to stem the destruction. I have tried to say 'would you mind terribly taking that pile of bricks off my hellebore?', to which I get a tut and and a harrumph and then some other poor plant cops it the next day. I am putting my faith in the regenerative powers of spring 2009. But does anyone know how to get mortar off rhododendron leaves?

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