Are you too lazy to look after your garden? (From Bucks Free Press)
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Are you too lazy to look after your garden?
7:08pm Thursday 25th June 2009
My word isn’t the weather hot! Summer is well and truly here although personally I do not like the warm weather but there is very little that can be done about it.
During this hot weather lunchtime can’t come soon enough so I can get out into the air and partake in my regular lunchtime walk around the town centre.
Today I went to have a look at the Library Gardens. They are looking absolutely wonderful. The flowers help to brighten that little corner of the town and cheer the people on their way. It’s a shame the library has moved and the lovely flowers will not be seen by as many people as before.
Now we are in the height of summer there is nothing better than a well kept garden with nicely cut lawn to brighten the day and make the place look tidy.
If you are lucky enough to live in an older house the chances are that you have a decent sized area of lawn providing you haven’t committed the terrible sin of paving the lawn over.
During my travels around Wycombe I have been surprised by just how many untidy gardens there are indeed uncut lawns and flower borders overgrown with weeds are quite a common sight.
Sadly it seems some people view maintenance of the garden as a chore and grass cutting is reduced to a minimum. Then of course there are the buy to let houses where the tenants could not care less about the garden and the landlords are only interested in taking the money.
What incentives could be given to make people look after their gardens more?
I know there used to be a gardening competition for tenants of Council houses but as far as I am aware there is nothing similar for owners of private houses.
Perhaps if there was a competition to find the best kept garden in Wycombe the standards in the town may be raised.
Another idea would be to give financial penalties for those who deliberately let their garden grow out of control. I’m sure the traffic wardens could be given the power to give poorly kept gardens a ticket. I’m sure the threat would soon get the lazy residents out with their lawnmowers!
What do you think?
Comments(137)
j_guasu
says...
8:02pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor
says...
8:03pm Thu 25 Jun 09
I can assure you that I do not set out to be confrontational.
I am disappointed with your lack of interest in making sure that the gardens of the town are kept tidy.
ivor
says...
8:05pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Indeed I do not approve of the powers that be but do you have any better suggestion as to how the residents who neglect their gardens can be brought into line?
Of course those unable to maintain their gardens would be given special dispensation from the fines. Even with my IWD I am able to manage my trusty historic lawnmower.
OllieNewbury
says...
8:09pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:What a load of crap you talk. What people do with their private gardens is their decision. You cannot tell someone what to do, unless there are side-effects, such as blocked pavements or roadsigns.
Re the comments of j_guasu at 8:02pm
Indeed I do not approve of the powers that be but do you have any better suggestion as to how the residents who neglect their gardens can be brought into line?
Of course those unable to maintain their gardens would be given special dispensation from the fines. Even with my IWD I am able to manage my trusty historic lawnmower.
This blog is more pathetic than any I've ever seen.
j_guasu
says...
8:13pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:I'm sure you're not being serious with this ridiculous idea, but anyways - there are some things that the government can't control, that's one of the problems of living in a free country. If you don't like it then I suggest you move to North Korea or Saudi Arabia (which, apart from the heat, I'm sure you'd love - no drunks, air conditioning everywhere and women are kept like slaves).
Re the comments of j_guasu at 8:02pm
Indeed I do not approve of the powers that be but do you have any better suggestion as to how the residents who neglect their gardens can be brought into line?
Of course those unable to maintain their gardens would be given special dispensation from the fines. Even with my IWD I am able to manage my trusty historic lawnmower.
Above all else, how would the lawn police judge whether a garden is well kept? Rather subjective don't you think? Will there be a state-approved maximum grass height? What if someone goes on holiday or into hospital and can't mow the lawn for a couple of weeks? Will the lawn-police have to be informed of all our movements?
ivor
says...
8:15pm Thu 25 Jun 09
But what happens if the untidy gardens are encouraging rats?
Just to clarify matters my suggestion was aimed only at the most untidy gardens.
ivor
says...
8:18pm Thu 25 Jun 09
No. I do not want to move from my current home. I like it where I am.
Perhaps a set of rules could be drawn up e.g. if the grass is over 12 inches high or if the garden is filled with litter. I am sure that the grass would not grow 12 inches if someone went into hospital or was on holiday for a week or so.
Do you have any better suggestions as to how the gardens can be kept tidy then?
j_guasu
says...
8:19pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:How does an untidy garden encourage rats? Rats are attracted to food waste, not unkempt wisteria.
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 8:09pm
But what happens if the untidy gardens are encouraging rats?
Just to clarify matters my suggestion was aimed only at the most untidy gardens.
j_guasu
says...
8:25pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:No, I don't have better suggestions because it's something unenforceable, and the condition in which people keep their own homes is none of the your or the government's business.
Re the comments of j_guasu at 8:13pm
No. I do not want to move from my current home. I like it where I am.
Perhaps a set of rules could be drawn up e.g. if the grass is over 12 inches high or if the garden is filled with litter. I am sure that the grass would not grow 12 inches if someone went into hospital or was on holiday for a week or so.
Do you have any better suggestions as to how the gardens can be kept tidy then?
I don't believe for a second anyone would seriously be advocating that some kind of stasi-style lawn police should be permitted to enter people's gardens and start measuring their grass. Insane.
ivor
says...
8:26pm Thu 25 Jun 09
I thought that rats likes making their nests in untidy places e.g. in a pile of garden rubbish? At least that’s where I found a rat’s nest once.
ivor
says...
8:28pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Surely as a good neighbour people should ensure they keep their gardens in good order as an act of neighbourly friendliness to the others who live around them?
OllieNewbury
says...
8:30pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:This is not a police state. You cannot tell people what to do on their private land.
Re the comments of j_guasu at 8:13pm
No. I do not want to move from my current home. I like it where I am.
Perhaps a set of rules could be drawn up e.g. if the grass is over 12 inches high or if the garden is filled with litter. I am sure that the grass would not grow 12 inches if someone went into hospital or was on holiday for a week or so.
Do you have any better suggestions as to how the gardens can be kept tidy then?
You mention rats, but on the contrary, a wild garden is more likely to attract more pleasant animals. If you have cats, they will love it too, as will the birds and insects.
I think you getting too full of yourself. You are telling people how to live their lives. That's not on.
ivor
says...
8:47pm Thu 25 Jun 09
No. It is not my intention to tell people how to live their lives.
Surely there is a neighbourly duty from everyone to make sure that are not harbouring rats and not making the area look untidy?
My suggestion was only to raise awareness of the issue and see if a solution to the problem can be found.
Melanie1
says...
8:50pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:I've got a solution. You could use your historic trusty lawnmower and your trusty historic car (either one) and travel around the High Wycombe area doing your neighbourly duty and cutting everyone's grass for them, for free, after all you are a man of action -aren't you?
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 8:30pm No. It is not my intention to tell people how to live their lives. Surely there is a neighbourly duty from everyone to make sure that are not harbouring rats and not making the area look untidy? My suggestion was only to raise awareness of the issue and see if a solution to the problem can be found.
OllieNewbury
says...
8:51pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:It's called being a busybody- interfering with other people's lives and telling them what to do.
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 8:30pm
No. It is not my intention to tell people how to live their lives.
Surely there is a neighbourly duty from everyone to make sure that are not harbouring rats and not making the area look untidy?
My suggestion was only to raise awareness of the issue and see if a solution to the problem can be found.
Is it really any concern of yours what the neighbours' gardens look like? As j_guasu said, a food waste bin left out will attract the rats, grass won't.
There is no problem and so there is no solution. This blog is pointless.
ivor
says...
8:57pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Indeed I have done so in the past. I had quite a round going at one time but alas old age has crept up on me and I am unable to do so these days.
No doubt some of today’s youngsters are happier staying at home with their computer games rather than actually doing anything for the community.
ivor
says...
8:58pm Thu 25 Jun 09
No. I am not a busybody!
I look after my garden so surely my neighbour should do the same?
The rats may not get their food from a unkempt garden but they may certainly build there house there!
No. This blog is not pointless.
OllieNewbury
says...
9:00pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:How old are you? You say old age has creeped up on you? It makes no sense. I was under the impression you were in your 50s.
Re the comments of Melanie1 at 8:50pm
Indeed I have done so in the past. I had quite a round going at one time but alas old age has crept up on me and I am unable to do so these days.
No doubt some of today’s youngsters are happier staying at home with their computer games rather than actually doing anything for the community.
OllieNewbury
says...
9:01pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Yes you are!
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 8:51pm
No. I am not a busybody!
I look after my garden so surely my neighbour should do the same?
The rats may not get their food from a unkempt garden but they may certainly build there house there!
No. This blog is not pointless.
Your second sentence makes me laugh.
And yes, it is pointless.
ivor
says...
9:10pm Thu 25 Jun 09
It all depends on how old you consider old age to be. My IWD is a sure sign of my body becoming decrepit so I fear that old age is indeed creeping up on me even though I may not be retiring age!
ivor
says...
9:11pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Oh dear, and I though that you would like this blog.
Anyway perhaps you will like my forthcoming blog on my visit to one of the large open spaces in Wycombe.
J B Blackett
says...
9:12pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Please note in passing that the Pann Mill Gardens tended lovingly and voluntarily by 'Mary' were vandalised recently by some feral scum - never caught of course even though we , the common folk are watched round the clock.
Some Wycombe residents appear to hate gardens, trees or greenery of any sort. For what reason, I cannot imagine.
Check out Wycombe gardens for wholesale concreting (yes Badly-Laid Concrete, not tasteful paviours or flags).
There's a house in Eaton Avenue with not a blade of grass or a plant in the front or back ( two squeezed-in bungalows at the back of a semi !!)
But I can't see any rats though , unless it is them that's living in the bungalows.
Mind you I don't think Google Earth has the magnitude of resolution yet, to solve that mystery.
Perhaps you would approve , Ivor , in that sort of barren possibly ratless environment
I thought I saw a dark furry creature furtively scuttling round the back of the Town Hall , but it turned out to a politician.
Regards
OllieNewbury
says...
9:20pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Only you would like to think yourself old aged when you're not.
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 9:00pm
It all depends on how old you consider old age to be. My IWD is a sure sign of my body becoming decrepit so I fear that old age is indeed creeping up on me even though I may not be retiring age!
OllieNewbury
says...
9:23pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:If you are talking about Hughenden Park, then yes I will look forward to reading it. Whether I will enjoy it is another matter, as you often write something stupid.
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 9:01pm
Oh dear, and I though that you would like this blog.
Anyway perhaps you will like my forthcoming blog on my visit to one of the large open spaces in Wycombe.
We'll see.
ivor
says...
9:48pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Indeed the gardens by the Old Library are a credit to the town. The gardeners are to be congratulated for putting on such a good show this year and every year.
Vandalism of a garden is always a terrible thing. Unfortunately the police seem useless when it comes to catching criminals.
I wholeheartedly disapprove of concrete gardens. Concrete is for buildings not gardens!
Thank you for your words of wisdom.
ivor
says...
9:49pm Thu 25 Jun 09
But old age is creeping up on us all. You are young now but just wait 20 years. You will soon come round to my way of thinking then!
ivor
says...
9:49pm Thu 25 Jun 09
I am talking about Hughenden Park and the Rye.
My blog will not be stupid, oh no. It will however be truthful but sadly the truth is something that some people can not stomach.
smiley cat
says...
10:02pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Mind your own business you sad little man.
Good god what a pointless existence you lead..
Do you know the Beatles song - Fool on the Hill?
The lyrics mostly apply to you.
And as for your forthcoming blog which I am sure is going to be vitriolic as so many people have asked you not to do it...
Bring it on you vile piece of dog excrement. I warned you ... it is not on to critisise the beauty of nature.
Do it and anything that I have ever said to you before now will pale in comparison.
And please do not have the arrogance and delusion to think that you speak the truth....
You speak the truth according to Ivor - no one else.
Of course if you are sensible enough to appreciate the Rye and Hughenden Park for what they are then I will be the first to apologise.
ivor
says...
10:10pm Thu 25 Jun 09
I am not sad and I am most definitely not little but I am a man!
My blog will be truthful and forthright about the parks of Wycombe. Are your views on the parks so set in stone that you can not possibly consider anything no matter how small could possibly wrong at Hughenden Park or on The Rye?
smiley cat
says...
10:12pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:I actually consider Hughenden Park to be one of the most perfect places ever.
Re the comments of smiley cat at 10:02pm I am not sad and I am most definitely not little but I am a man! My blog will be truthful and forthright about the parks of Wycombe. Are your views on the parks so set in stone that you can not possibly consider anything no matter how small could possibly wrong at Hughenden Park or on The Rye?
My only consillation is that no one of any consequence will take any notice of the random twitterings of you AND the rye and Hughenden Park will continue to flourish long after you have departed.
Oh and you are barely a man - more like a fat toad.
OllieNewbury
says...
10:13pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:More b*llocks! A 38 year old man is not old aged, not even middle aged.
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 9:20pm
But old age is creeping up on us all. You are young now but just wait 20 years. You will soon come round to my way of thinking then!
What planet do you live on?
OllieNewbury
says...
10:14pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Um... That's the truth according to Ivor.
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 9:23pm
I am talking about Hughenden Park and the Rye.
My blog will not be stupid, oh no. It will however be truthful but sadly the truth is something that some people can not stomach.
Not me.
smiley cat
says...
10:15pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Why else would you write such tripe 3 times a week, month in month out?
Yuk!!!
smiley cat
says...
10:16pm Thu 25 Jun 09
OllieNewbury wrote:Planet
ivor wrote: Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 9:20pm But old age is creeping up on us all. You are young now but just wait 20 years. You will soon come round to my way of thinking then!More b*llocks! A 38 year old man is not old aged, not even middle aged. What planet do you live on?
Tw at...
*nods*
ivor
says...
10:16pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Well it remains to be seen if you will be unhappy with what I write about Hughenden Park.
I rather thought that you would have said that the complex was the most perfect place in the whole world but I guess that I have misjudged you.
You are wrong because my blog will be entered into the pages of Google for all to read for eternity the very instant that I publish it.
Calling me names will make no difference!
smiley cat
says...
10:20pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Oh grow up!
Re the comments of smiley cat at 10:12pm Well it remains to be seen if you will be unhappy with what I write about Hughenden Park. I rather thought that you would have said that the complex was the most perfect place in the whole world but I guess that I have misjudged you. You are wrong because my blog will be entered into the pages of Google for all to read for eternity the very instant that I publish it. Calling me names will make no difference!
There is literally millions of pieces of crap on Google - yours will just join those.
Oh and I have said time and time again that Eden is not perfect but that I love it.
Hughenden Park however , is.
ivor
says...
10:20pm Thu 25 Jun 09
I live on the planet earth!
ivor
says...
10:20pm Thu 25 Jun 09
My blog will contain pictures to back up and problems that I may find and reinforce the good points about the parks of Wycombe.
The camera never lies....
ivor
says...
10:21pm Thu 25 Jun 09
My blog is not tripe and I write it thrice weekly because I enjoy writing my blog.
ivor
says...
10:21pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Using bad language will get you nowhere.
ivor
says...
10:22pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Suppose I could show you a picture of something in Hughenden Park that is far from perfect?
What about the Rye is that perfect too?
OllieNewbury
says...
10:25pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Ivor, the deluded fool now thinks 'Ivor's blog' is a highly searched for google term.
Re the comments of smiley cat at 10:12pm
Well it remains to be seen if you will be unhappy with what I write about Hughenden Park.
I rather thought that you would have said that the complex was the most perfect place in the whole world but I guess that I have misjudged you.
You are wrong because my blog will be entered into the pages of Google for all to read for eternity the very instant that I publish it.
Calling me names will make no difference!
Silly!
smiley cat
says...
10:25pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Perfect in MY eyes numbskull.
Re the comments of smiley cat at 10:20pm Suppose I could show you a picture of something in Hughenden Park that is far from perfect? What about the Rye is that perfect too?
Oh I am sure being the saddo that you are, you will scour the park looking for something to "prove your point".
BUT you are F***ed Ivor.
That park is not for someone with an intemittent walking disorder - its beauty lies in the unspoilt woodland and grass. Therefore pleaese don't bother to say you have bad legs.
If you can walk around Hughenden Park there is NOTHING wrong with your legs or walking -nothing.
OllieNewbury
says...
10:26pm Thu 25 Jun 09
smiley cat wrote:Me too. I accept that Eden has faults, but I still like it. I was there yesterday, and it busy and the shops were full.
ivor wrote:Oh grow up!
Re the comments of smiley cat at 10:12pm Well it remains to be seen if you will be unhappy with what I write about Hughenden Park. I rather thought that you would have said that the complex was the most perfect place in the whole world but I guess that I have misjudged you. You are wrong because my blog will be entered into the pages of Google for all to read for eternity the very instant that I publish it. Calling me names will make no difference!
There is literally millions of pieces of crap on Google - yours will just join those.
Oh and I have said time and time again that Eden is not perfect but that I love it.
Hughenden Park however , is.
Hughenden Park is lovely.
OllieNewbury
says...
10:28pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:You live in the 1950s then. Back then someone in his 40s could look old aged!
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 10:13pm
I live on the planet earth!
You seem to love that period, so that is your planet.
OllieNewbury
says...
10:29pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:I remember your pictures of the new bus station. You were very crafty and took photos which showed the things you wanted.
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 10:14pm
My blog will contain pictures to back up and problems that I may find and reinforce the good points about the parks of Wycombe.
The camera never lies....
The camera can lie.
OllieNewbury
says...
10:30pm Thu 25 Jun 09
smiley cat wrote:Good point!
ivor wrote:Perfect in MY eyes numbskull.
Re the comments of smiley cat at 10:20pm Suppose I could show you a picture of something in Hughenden Park that is far from perfect? What about the Rye is that perfect too?
Oh I am sure being the saddo that you are, you will scour the park looking for something to "prove your point".
BUT you are F***ed Ivor.
That park is not for someone with an intemittent walking disorder - its beauty lies in the unspoilt woodland and grass. Therefore pleaese don't bother to say you have bad legs.
If you can walk around Hughenden Park there is NOTHING wrong with your legs or walking -nothing.
ivor
says...
10:38pm Thu 25 Jun 09
I never said that it was highly searched for just that it will be recorded for all of time.
ivor
says...
10:38pm Thu 25 Jun 09
It may be perfect in your eyes but is it perfect in the lens of my camera.
Remember the Newlands Bus Station was perfect in my eyes and it stood the test of my camera lens well too!
ivor
says...
10:39pm Thu 25 Jun 09
When I was there the other day the shops were far from full indeed one shop had thrown all their food away because of a power failure!
ivor
says...
10:39pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Indeed the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s were all good decades.
ivor
says...
10:39pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Show me the pictures of the Newlands Bus Station that are bad. Where are they then?
ivor
says...
10:40pm Thu 25 Jun 09
No. It’s not a good point!
smiley cat
says...
10:49pm Thu 25 Jun 09
So please do not try and make out that Newlands bus station was a beautiful thing- no one thought so.
smiley cat
says...
10:51pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Moron..
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 10:26pm When I was there the other day the shops were far from full indeed one shop had thrown all their food away because of a power failure!
Eden is busy - shut up and move on and stop arguing like a 5 year old.
ivor
says...
11:14pm Thu 25 Jun 09
In my eyes the Newlands Bus Station was beautiful just as Hughenden Park is in your eyes.
ivor
says...
11:15pm Thu 25 Jun 09
But it’s true what I said in my comment that you quoted.
tom.marlow
says...
11:16pm Thu 25 Jun 09
My garden is an appalling mess by your standards.
Part of it is used for playing football so the "lawn", such as it is completely hacked up. Another part is used for growing veg. We have a couple of rabbits that wreck the remainder of the grass. And I have a huge compost heap where I recycle all the garden waste, a lot of domestic waste and the litter from the rabbits. And a big pile of woody stuff that wont compost but provides a home for all sorts of wildlife. Its untidy but functional. The lawn gets cut 3 or 4 times a year.
Don't apply your values to other people.
And right on, ollie, 38 is young. If you work at it 50 is young too.
smiley cat
says...
11:27pm Thu 25 Jun 09
ivor wrote:And that as far as I am concerned, sums this idiot up..
Re the comments of smiley cat at 10:49pm In my eyes the Newlands Bus Station was beautiful just as Hughenden Park is in your eyes.
I bid you goodnight.
OllieNewbury
says...
12:16am Fri 26 Jun 09
tom.marlow wrote:Same here. My garden is beautiful in its way, but not with neat lawns and pretty border plants.
Are you too lazy to write a sensible blog?
My garden is an appalling mess by your standards.
Part of it is used for playing football so the "lawn", such as it is completely hacked up. Another part is used for growing veg. We have a couple of rabbits that wreck the remainder of the grass. And I have a huge compost heap where I recycle all the garden waste, a lot of domestic waste and the litter from the rabbits. And a big pile of woody stuff that wont compost but provides a home for all sorts of wildlife. Its untidy but functional. The lawn gets cut 3 or 4 times a year.
Don't apply your values to other people.
And right on, ollie, 38 is young. If you work at it 50 is young too.
The grass has grown, providing food for my rabbits. The bushes are huge, providing shade and hiding space for the five cats that regularly come in the garden (one is mine).
As Tom said, don't inflict your narrow-minded views on others.
Nowadays there is almost no difference between the 20s and 30, and the 40s and 50s. In fact the trend is getting older, as more and more people in their 70s and 80s look only 60. It's a matter of luck, genetics and how you treat your body. Thinking you are old aged at 50 will not help.
OllieNewbury
says...
12:37am Fri 26 Jun 09
It's very sad.
ivor
says...
1:16am Fri 26 Jun 09
No. I am not lazy at all indeed I am a hardworking and dedicated person who strives for perfection.
If your lawn is sued for playing football then I’m sure the grass won’t be very long. Compost heaps are very good indeed I have one myself but a compost heap does not necessarily have to look untidy.
I do hope there are not any rats living under your heap of woody material.
ivor
says...
1:16am Fri 26 Jun 09
Good night to you too!
ivor
says...
1:17am Fri 26 Jun 09
A garden can be tidy and acceptable without having to have neat lawns.
You are quite right about age. I guess you are only as old as you feel.
ivor
says...
1:17am Fri 26 Jun 09
Indeed it is a tragedy. What more can be said?
OllieNewbury
says...
1:30am Fri 26 Jun 09
ivor wrote:I didn't know you could sue a lawn for playing football. It's a bit of an over reaction, isn't it?
Re the comments of tom.marlow at 11:16pm
No. I am not lazy at all indeed I am a hardworking and dedicated person who strives for perfection.
If your lawn is sued for playing football then I’m sure the grass won’t be very long. Compost heaps are very good indeed I have one myself but a compost heap does not necessarily have to look untidy.
I do hope there are not any rats living under your heap of woody material.
Poor Michael Jackson.
(1958-2009) RIP
ivor
says...
1:41am Fri 26 Jun 09
Oh dear, the spelling checker strikes again!
Indeed it is a terrible shame about Michael Jackson. He was someone who captured the spirit of a generation back in the 80’s. A true star.
brachyura
says...
6:17am Fri 26 Jun 09
brachyura
says...
6:24am Fri 26 Jun 09
But you would have to be specific to look for your blog.
Type in "Ivor's blog" and there is no mention of you on the first google page.
(Type "smiley cat" with the UK filter on
and you will find one of her comments - obviously more important than yourself!).
Type in "Ivor Biggun" and you will find the web pages of the journalist who uses that name (not you).
brachyura
says...
6:43am Fri 26 Jun 09
I have seen one in my garden (my daughter was quite excited), also on the Rye and in the Church grounds in the centre of Wycombe - where I believe you eat your sandwichs (I'm sure they are grateful for your crumbs).
They are highly adaptable and very intelligent, I'm sure they will be here long after we are gone.
I'm sure the only reason they don't comment on your blog is that they can see the futility of trying to argue with you and would rather be froliking outside in the sun - see how smart they are!
brachyura
says...
6:45am Fri 26 Jun 09
smiley cat
says...
8:02am Fri 26 Jun 09
brachyura wrote:Hiya Brachy - you poor old soul lol.
As for rats, I think you'll find that they are almost everywhere. I have seen one in my garden (my daughter was quite excited), also on the Rye and in the Church grounds in the centre of Wycombe - where I believe you eat your sandwichs (I'm sure they are grateful for your crumbs). They are highly adaptable and very intelligent, I'm sure they will be here long after we are gone. I'm sure the only reason they don't comment on your blog is that they can see the futility of trying to argue with you and would rather be froliking outside in the sun - see how smart they are!
I quite like rats - always have since I read Mrs Frisby and the rats of Nimh.
tom.marlow
says...
9:03am Fri 26 Jun 09
ivor wrote:My attorney is dealing with the lawn's legal problems.
Re the comments of tom.marlow at 11:16pm No. I am not lazy at all indeed I am a hardworking and dedicated person who strives for perfection. If your lawn is sued for playing football then I’m sure the grass won’t be very long. Compost heaps are very good indeed I have one myself but a compost heap does not necessarily have to look untidy. I do hope there are not any rats living under your heap of woody material.
We do get the occasional rats nest in the compost. A few years ago I had the pest control people come round. They showed me what to look out for and since then I've found nests on 2 occassions, dug them out and killed them.
We get hedgehogs, slow-worms, a variety of frogs and toads and the occassional lizard in that part of the garden - all of which love to eat slugs. Worth the occasional rat.
Melanie1
says...
9:19am Fri 26 Jun 09
ivor wrote:and no doubt you trawled through their bins and ate all the food...
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 10:26pm When I was there the other day the shops were far from full indeed one shop had thrown all their food away because of a power failure!
We have a woodpile, tucked away between the shed, a tidy leylandii hedge and a trellis, 3 compost bins, a rather weedy lawn and lots of flower beds. Our garden is a magnet for wildlife and we do get the occasional rat nest but one of my cats helps control them and the rest I deal with.
This blog is the usual offensive tripe.
Plus ça change...
says...
9:44am Fri 26 Jun 09
Yes, Ivor, the garden in your pic is very tidy but there is also no opportunity for people to 'interact' with it.
It's like a 1930s postcard pic of Wycombe.
All 'LOOK BUT DON'T TOUCH'.
All the in-town bits of greenery are like that in Wycombe.
Miniscule.
Nowhere to relax or chill or interact with the flowers or have a picnic.
Wycombe's very own 'open space' is too far from the centre; Hughenden Park too.
It is impossible to interact with any hint of green and flowers in the town itself.
Zilch.
Rien.
Nada
Nothing.
No 'Hanging Gardens of Wycylon'...
Maybe EDEN should build another floor and landscape it with grass, plants, rivulets, bushes and flowers for our pleasure.
One part of the community was proposing a garden - maybe not such a bad idea - but I need somewhere where I can munch freely on my pesto and banana baguette.
smiley cat
says...
10:12am Fri 26 Jun 09
tom.marlow wrote:RAT MURDERER!!!!1111!!!
ivor wrote: Re the comments of tom.marlow at 11:16pm No. I am not lazy at all indeed I am a hardworking and dedicated person who strives for perfection. If your lawn is sued for playing football then I’m sure the grass won’t be very long. Compost heaps are very good indeed I have one myself but a compost heap does not necessarily have to look untidy. I do hope there are not any rats living under your heap of woody material.My attorney is dealing with the lawn's legal problems. We do get the occasional rats nest in the compost. A few years ago I had the pest control people come round. They showed me what to look out for and since then I've found nests on 2 occassions, dug them out and killed them. We get hedgehogs, slow-worms, a variety of frogs and toads and the occassional lizard in that part of the garden - all of which love to eat slugs. Worth the occasional rat.
What about all the baby rats - and what about the fact that they are sensitive souls who enjoy reading and music.
READ THE BOOK - it is all in there..
tom.marlow
says...
11:26am Fri 26 Jun 09
smiley cat wrote:I chuck them over the fence into the field behind our house. The red kites eat them.
tom.marlow wrote:RAT MURDERER!!!!1111!!! What about all the baby rats - and what about the fact that they are sensitive souls who enjoy reading and music. READ THE BOOK - it is all in there..ivor wrote: Re the comments of tom.marlow at 11:16pm No. I am not lazy at all indeed I am a hardworking and dedicated person who strives for perfection. If your lawn is sued for playing football then I’m sure the grass won’t be very long. Compost heaps are very good indeed I have one myself but a compost heap does not necessarily have to look untidy. I do hope there are not any rats living under your heap of woody material.My attorney is dealing with the lawn's legal problems. We do get the occasional rats nest in the compost. A few years ago I had the pest control people come round. They showed me what to look out for and since then I've found nests on 2 occassions, dug them out and killed them. We get hedgehogs, slow-worms, a variety of frogs and toads and the occassional lizard in that part of the garden - all of which love to eat slugs. Worth the occasional rat.
All part of natures rich cycle of life and death
smiley cat
says...
12:06pm Fri 26 Jun 09
tom.marlow wrote:Actually in all seriousness now, our cats catch rats which is rather handy..
smiley cat wrote:I chuck them over the fence into the field behind our house. The red kites eat them. All part of natures rich cycle of life and deathtom.marlow wrote:RAT MURDERER!!!!1111!!! What about all the baby rats - and what about the fact that they are sensitive souls who enjoy reading and music. READ THE BOOK - it is all in there..ivor wrote: Re the comments of tom.marlow at 11:16pm No. I am not lazy at all indeed I am a hardworking and dedicated person who strives for perfection. If your lawn is sued for playing football then I’m sure the grass won’t be very long. Compost heaps are very good indeed I have one myself but a compost heap does not necessarily have to look untidy. I do hope there are not any rats living under your heap of woody material.My attorney is dealing with the lawn's legal problems. We do get the occasional rats nest in the compost. A few years ago I had the pest control people come round. They showed me what to look out for and since then I've found nests on 2 occassions, dug them out and killed them. We get hedgehogs, slow-worms, a variety of frogs and toads and the occassional lizard in that part of the garden - all of which love to eat slugs. Worth the occasional rat.
And like you we leave them for the kites to eat.
Aren't we kind - a sort of take out service!
ivor
says...
3:37am Sat 27 Jun 09
How do you clamp a rabbit?
I do think that you are over reacting a touch.
ivor
says...
3:37am Sat 27 Jun 09
Funny that because it types “Ivor’s blog” into Google and my comments appeared at the bottom of the first page. Type in “Ivor’s blog Wycombe” and I am top of the list!
ivor
says...
3:38am Sat 27 Jun 09
Indeed I do sometimes eat my sandwiches in the grounds of the Parish Church but I have never seen any rats there.
A rat catcher once told me how tough rats are and that they will outlive the humans. They are clever creatures too and it takes a lot to get rid of them once they move in.
ivor
says...
3:38am Sat 27 Jun 09
So you are 39. Do you feel as agile and fit as when you were 19? I’ll bet not. See that’s old age creeping up on you.
ivor
says...
3:38am Sat 27 Jun 09
I have never hat rats in my compost heap probably because I made sure there are no holes they can get in through.
ivor
says...
3:38am Sat 27 Jun 09
It is a terrible shame that so much food was wasted. I know there is a time limit after which the health and safety boffins have declared that food must be destroyed but surely they could let people eat it just before that time limit expired?
I would have been more than happy to eat any surplus food they had! Just thinking about it makes me feel hungry!
You are lucky if you have so much wildlife in your garden. Do you have foxes?
This blog was not meant to be offensive.
ivor
says...
3:39am Sat 27 Jun 09
You are right. There is no way people can interact with the Library Gardens. Perhaps we need a green space in the centre of town?
The nearest thing we have is the grounds of the Parish Church.
Perhaps I could write a blog on the subject?
ivor
says...
3:39am Sat 27 Jun 09
If the rats enjoy reading then perhaps they like my blog?
ivor
says...
3:39am Sat 27 Jun 09
How can you bring yourself to just chuck a living creature over the fence?
brachyura
says...
6:55am Sat 27 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Well "Ivor's blog Wycombe" is quite specific. Anyone typing that would probably already know you are on the BFP.
Re the comments of brachyura at 6:24am Funny that because it types “Ivor’s blog” into Google and my comments appeared at the bottom of the first page. Type in “Ivor’s blog Wycombe” and I am top of the list!
With my web page their are two words you can type in to get it to the top of the page (but it is unlikely anyone would just type those in).
brachyura
says...
6:57am Sat 27 Jun 09
ivor wrote:I was pretty unfit as a 19 year old so I don't feel any different.....
Re the comments of brachyura at 6:45am So you are 39. Do you feel as agile and fit as when you were 19? I’ll bet not. See that’s old age creeping up on you.
I certainly don't consider 39 as old.
brachyura
says...
6:58am Sat 27 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Ivor you are happy for someone else to come in and remove your rats and you wanted the pigeons in frogmoor to be shot.
Re the comments of tom.marlow at 11:26am How can you bring yourself to just chuck a living creature over the fence?
I guess you are not a man of action but would rather someone else do the dirty work for you.
Plus ça change...
says...
10:07am Sat 27 Jun 09
ivor wrote:
Re the comments of Plus ça change... at 9:44am You are right. There is no way people can interact with the Library Gardens. Perhaps we need a green space in the centre of town? The nearest thing we have is the grounds of the Parish Church. Perhaps I could write a blog on the subject?
Of course I'm right!
3 tiny areas of green, all totally inaccessible.
Just not good enough for a growing, healthy town.
Plants, bushes, benches, pergolas, streams, a small waterfall, some crunchy pathways etc etc
We should call it:
'The Wycnic Area'...!!
I could inaugurate it by eating one of my homemade pesto and banana sandwiches to great fanfare in front of the Mayor & local dignitaries - aka 'The Powers That be!
I shall free up my diary now....
faisal mahmood
says...
10:21pm Sat 27 Jun 09
i always look after our garden but sometimes i cut the lawn after 6 weeks because of work commitment.
it is a terrible shame about Michael Jackson so sad very kind person.
remember ivor said local jobs for local people i myself stopped traveling to chesham to work as i found job close to home.
Sainsburys are employing now and are recruiting through a agency called a4e next door to the job centre plus bucking palace number 2.
i will hopefully be working in sainsburys when it opens cannot wait.
ivor can you do a blog about the new store opening. it may improve you blogs on here.
good work keep it up!
tom.marlow
says...
10:28pm Sat 27 Jun 09
ivor wrote:I whack them with spade first. The red kites prefer them dead.
Re the comments of tom.marlow at 11:26am How can you bring yourself to just chuck a living creature over the fence?
ivor
says...
5:11am Sun 28 Jun 09
But surely lots of people know of my blog and they come directly to the BFP site making the Google search unnecessary?
ivor
says...
5:11am Sun 28 Jun 09
No. I am happy to do the dirty work if necessary as its all part of life when you are a man of the world. In the past I have dealt with rat’s nests and the like. You won’t find me flummoxing out when it comes to the crunch.
ivor
says...
5:11am Sun 28 Jun 09
Yes, you are quite right. I will be covering the issues you raise about the accessibility of the parks on a future blog.
ivor
says...
5:12am Sun 28 Jun 09
But I’m sure the lawn does not get too out of control in just six weeks?
Indeed it is a terrible shame about Michael Jackson especially as he was going to perform in London soon.
Well done for getting a job close to home. Not only will you save money on travelling expenses but you will save the environment by not creating as much pollution travelling to work.
I am looking forward to the new supermarket opening. Hopefully the food hall with be better then the awful food hall in the complex. Hopefully they will sell the thing we need for our daily lives!
Yes, I will definitely be writing a blog about the new store opening.
Thank you for you kind words of praise.
ivor
says...
5:12am Sun 28 Jun 09
You brute! How can you bring yourself to hurt those cuddly little rats....
Plus ça change...
says...
9:34am Sun 28 Jun 09
ivor wrote:
Re the comments of Plus ça change... at 10:07am Yes, you are quite right. I will be covering the issues you raise about the accessibility of the parks on a future blog.
... 'The Missing Gardens of Wycylon'...
Plus ça change...
says...
9:39am Sun 28 Jun 09
brachyura wrote:
As for rats, I think you'll find that they are almost everywhere. I have seen one in my garden (my daughter was quite excited), also on the Rye and in the Church grounds in the centre of Wycombe - where I believe you eat your sandwichs (I'm sure they are grateful for your crumbs). They are highly adaptable and very intelligent, I'm sure they will be here long after we are gone. I'm sure the only reason they don't comment on your blog is that they can see the futility of trying to argue with you and would rather be froliking outside in the sun - see how smart they are!
Sounds more like Ratcombe than Rutcombe then.
Though who knows what some rutted & grassless Wycombe verges may hide with their deep and bottomless abysses ...
Plus ça change...
says...
9:51am Sun 28 Jun 09
ivor wrote:
Re the comments of tom.marlow at 9:03am I have never hat rats in my compost heap probably because I made sure there are no holes they can get in through.
Stuff of genius!
Most sensible point you have ever made, Ivor!
OllieNewbury
says...
3:58pm Sun 28 Jun 09
ivor wrote:Errr... Where would people find out about this blog? It's not mentioned in the paper and it's hardly noticable on the home page.
Re the comments of brachyura at 6:55am
But surely lots of people know of my blog and they come directly to the BFP site making the Google search unnecessary?
I can think of about 10 regular users who comment on your blogs. That's all.
OllieNewbury
says...
4:00pm Sun 28 Jun 09
ivor wrote:The foodhall in M&S is fantastic. Obviously my family can't afford to shop there every day, but for a special occasion, nothing can beat their food.
Re the comments of faisal mahmood at 10:21pm
But I’m sure the lawn does not get too out of control in just six weeks?
Indeed it is a terrible shame about Michael Jackson especially as he was going to perform in London soon.
Well done for getting a job close to home. Not only will you save money on travelling expenses but you will save the environment by not creating as much pollution travelling to work.
I am looking forward to the new supermarket opening. Hopefully the food hall with be better then the awful food hall in the complex. Hopefully they will sell the thing we need for our daily lives!
Yes, I will definitely be writing a blog about the new store opening.
Thank you for you kind words of praise.
Having said that, I am looking forward to seeing the new Sainsbury's completed.
ivor
says...
3:11am Mon 29 Jun 09
Yes, I shall definitely write a blog on the subject. It may take a while because I need to do my research first....
ivor
says...
3:11am Mon 29 Jun 09
I do hope there aren't any rats hiding under ground in the tombs and graves in the Parish Church yard?
ivor
says...
3:12am Mon 29 Jun 09
Thank you for you kind words of praise.
When I built my compost heap I made sure that rats and other pests could not get in to it. I'm quite clever really and I always think ahead so I rarely get caught out!
ivor
says...
3:12am Mon 29 Jun 09
You don't give me the credit that I deserve! Perhaps my blog is more popular than you think....
ivor
says...
3:13am Mon 29 Jun 09
I buy a lot of my food in the food hall in the complex and I would not say that it is fantastic. What upsets me most are the tremendous number of power cuts they have there resulting in food being thrown away. It's an outrage. For this reason I shall be glad when the supermarket opens across the road as I intend to transfer my custom there.
ivor
says...
6:51pm Mon 29 Jun 09
Could it be that everyone is more interested in criticising me rather than agreeing with the excellent idea of the competition?
Spitfire
says...
6:51pm Mon 29 Jun 09
But you also said you consider lawn mowers to be an "everyday purchase" but you admit now you have used the same lawn mower for decades.
Liar?
ivor
says...
6:55pm Mon 29 Jun 09
Indeed I do not like the atmosphere in the food hall in the complex. The sooner the supermarket opens across the road the better.
I consider lawnmowers to be something that is required for everyday life. If, like me, you have a large lawn and you take the trouble to keep it looking neat and tidy then you will appreciate my argument.
Indeed I have a trusty mower that has served me for many years. Of course a mower of that age needs new parts to keep it going so a shop that deals in lawnmowers should be most welcome in Wycombe. Of course I have to do all the repairs myself as no lawnmower repairer would work on my machine as there is no way the it confirms to the ridiculous heath and safety rules in place today.
Plus ça change...
says...
9:39pm Mon 29 Jun 09
You should get a goat!
ivor
says...
9:51pm Mon 29 Jun 09
But I do not need a goat as my trusty historic lawnmowerkeeps my lawn neat and tidy!
Perhaps the keeping of livestock should be encouraged more so those who do have difficulty though?
J B Blackett
says...
12:34am Tue 30 Jun 09
Plus ça change... wrote:That is near the truth , pcc ; Ivor would appear to be getting mine on several occasions.
You should get a goat!
ivor
says...
12:35am Tue 30 Jun 09
Oh dear. Do you not like what I have written?
Plus ça change...
says...
4:56pm Tue 30 Jun 09
J B Blackett wrote:
Plus ça change... wrote: You should get a goat!That is near the truth , pcc ; Ivor would appear to be getting mine on several occasions.
Just playing the goat!
Why aren't there any wildebeest on the Rye?
ivor
says...
6:41pm Tue 30 Jun 09
I don’t know. Why aren’t there any wildebeest on the Rye?
If global warming arrives then perhaps we should consider importing tropical animals. A few wildebeest, zebras, giraffes and the odd lion or two would certainly liven things up on the Rye.
Plus ça change...
says...
7:18pm Tue 30 Jun 09
Whenever I go to the Rye or to Hughenden Park I tend to be the only person without a dog.
In fact I rarely see dogless people there.
Why do people need dogs to get them out walking?
Never really understood it.
Probably explains why there aren't any wildebeest in Wycombe though.
tom.marlow
says...
9:11pm Tue 30 Jun 09
Plus ça change... wrote:The name is the giveaway there. Its "Wycombe Rye", not "Wycombe Wild Game Reserve".
J B Blackett wrote:Just playing the goat! Why aren't there any wildebeest on the Rye?Plus ça change... wrote: You should get a goat!That is near the truth , pcc ; Ivor would appear to be getting mine on several occasions.
A more important question, at least for the JD Salinger fans, is where is the Catcher?
Spitfire
says...
10:10pm Tue 30 Jun 09
tom.marlow wrote:Are you mocking me?! I've been trying to get Catcher in the Rye out of the wonderful new Wycombe library since January but some slow a$s reader still has it! Hurry up **** you!!
Plus ça change... wrote:The name is the giveaway there. Its "Wycombe Rye", not "Wycombe Wild Game Reserve".
J B Blackett wrote:Just playing the goat! Why aren't there any wildebeest on the Rye?Plus ça change... wrote: You should get a goat!That is near the truth , pcc ; Ivor would appear to be getting mine on several occasions.
A more important question, at least for the JD Salinger fans, is where is the Catcher?
Read lots of goodies while I've been waiting but, still, get a move on!!
ivor
says...
1:15am Wed 1 Jul 09
I guess those with dogs need to exercise their animals and the large open spaces provide the perfect place to do so.
Don’t worry as the wildebeest will arrive when the global warming arrives!
ivor
says...
1:16am Wed 1 Jul 09
What catcher are you referring to? Do they have someone there to catch the dogs that run out of control?
ivor
says...
1:16am Wed 1 Jul 09
What catcher are you referring to? Do they have someone there to catch the dogs that run out of control?
ivor
says...
1:17am Wed 1 Jul 09
Oh, the Catcher Tom refers to is the book!
Well that shows just how good the new library is if you can’t get the books you want from it! Perhaps the person who has it is a slow reader?
If the library has let you down then why not look at my blog for a good read!
ivor
says...
1:19am Wed 1 Jul 09
What catcher are you referring to? Do they have someone there to catch the dogs that run out of control?
OllieNewbury
says...
1:57am Wed 1 Jul 09
ivor wrote:Only you would turn that into an attack on the new library. It has MORE books that the old one, for goodness sake.
Re the comments of Spitfire at 10:10pm
Oh, the Catcher Tom refers to is the book!
Well that shows just how good the new library is if you can’t get the books you want from it! Perhaps the person who has it is a slow reader?
If the library has let you down then why not look at my blog for a good read!
The speed at which a reader reads (!) has nothing to do with the library.
Are you saying that this blog is a great piece of literature?
Spitfire
says...
9:20am Wed 1 Jul 09
To compare your writing to JD Salinger shows just how deluded you are. But I'm sure you think the silent majority agree with you.
ivor
says...
11:15pm Wed 1 Jul 09
If you are looking for a confederacy of dunces why not try the library in the offices of the powers the be? I’m sure they must use that book as a point of reference on a daily basis....
ivor
says...
11:16pm Wed 1 Jul 09
Talking of the new library I shall have to pay a visit to see how the building is standing up after being open for a year.
Of course the speed of the readers affects the library. Slow reader mean that more books will be required!
Indeed this blog (and every blog I write) is a great piece of literature! Do you disagree?
OllieNewbury
says...
11:29pm Wed 1 Jul 09
ivor wrote:Umm.... probably not.
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 1:57am
Talking of the new library I shall have to pay a visit to see how the building is standing up after being open for a year.
Of course the speed of the readers affects the library. Slow reader mean that more books will be required!
Indeed this blog (and every blog I write) is a great piece of literature! Do you disagree?
I wouldn't say the standard of writing in these blogs is that fantastic.
ivor
says...
12:03am Thu 2 Jul 09
You do not realise the time it takes me to put together a blog. The research, the pictures and the words all have to be put together. Writing a blog of my high standard just doesn’t happen you know!
Spitfire
says...
12:43am Thu 2 Jul 09
OllieNewbury
says...
1:20am Thu 2 Jul 09
ivor wrote:You take the pictures during your lunchtime waddles- that's hardly difficult. Your research involves looking at WDC fact files, and the words are strung together in half an hour.
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 11:29pm
You do not realise the time it takes me to put together a blog. The research, the pictures and the words all have to be put together. Writing a blog of my high standard just doesn’t happen you know!
They are not of high standard.
ivor
says...
1:35am Thu 2 Jul 09
No. Actually I was thinking of increasing the number of blogs that I write!
ivor
says...
1:36am Thu 2 Jul 09
All that effort by myself and you just dismiss it like that. I don’t know why I bother....
smiley cat
says...
2:35pm Thu 2 Jul 09
ivor wrote:ohh nor do I!
Re the comments of OllieNewbury at 1:20am All that effort by myself and you just dismiss it like that. I don’t know why I bother....
I told you - you have a juvenile way of expressing yourself. It is astonishingly bad.
I can also tell you that blaming a spell checker for poor grammar and misspelt words, is just lazy and shoddy.
The library gardens are looking marvellous
In this section
- The cost of car insurance
- Welcome to Nature Connections
- The writing is on the wall for the traditional bookshop
- 'Snowmaggedon' – I Don’t Think Snow
- What can you do on a cold day in Wycombe?
- Are you worried about the cold this Winter?
- Airbrushing – what of it?
- The snow has arrived
- The lights are on but everyone’s at home
- Numbers!
Dr Truth says...
7:53pm Thu 25 Jun 09
Let the usual nonsense begin then. I'm off to do something constructive with my time.