04 February 2005

Jardinier

My "Capability Brown" brother rules supreme from his Tuscan Eden.

My Christmas there was as in a world apart.

He travels the world advising on horticultural matters, accepting few new clients and keeping those he has exceedingly well behaved lest they lose his custom.

He's sought out by lesser gardenologists - albeit ones feted in the glossies - who mincingly ask how he describes himself.

"A gardener," growls Pete.

"Oh come now ... surely ...."

"A gardener," he growls and stomps off to inspect some suspect growth.