Ashley Ball goes to meet a gardener with an engineering background who’s found a special way to water…
NOT long after meeting him, you quickly get the feeling that Mick Grain likes a challenge.
“I don’t like watering the garden so I set up my own irrigation system,” he said.
And there it is. Immaculate, ingenius and far too complex for me to get my head around.
But it allows him more time to work on and enjoy his garden.
“I find watering a real pain. I am going to put it all on water butt eventually, when I get around to it.”
You will have to excuse Mick on that one. He’s also been building a boat from scratch.
His garden in Elsecar looks like a hybrid of Japanese and tropical gardens.
He wanted to create a ‘zen’ space and a vista from his backdoor he has certainly suceeded.
The sounds of running water can be heard at the front and back of his gardens.
Birds dart around and the centrepiece Tracycarpus fits perfectly. It’s almost 20-years-old and was just three foot high when he bought it.
“I can’t stop it growing, I wish I could.”
The bees would be unhappy if he did. They, alongside numerous birds, make the garden a busy airspace and a santuary for them.
Mick is not the most serious gardener in the world and there is plenty of room for fun. No wonder the grandchildren love calling.
Under the giant palm sits a menacing-looking gorilla. He’s not alone… there’s a bear too, and an elephant.
He has even let grass grow out of a face plant pot.
“He’s my grandson’s double,” laughs Mick.
“I love my time in the garden, I have spells of being in it a lot.
“I wouldn’t class myself as a gardener. I am no expert on plants.
“If I see a plant, I’ll plant it up and I pick up on different ideas from watching TV and try them.
“I do like Japanese gardens.
“I try and buy things that look like they belong in the jungle. I love plants with big leaves.
“My wife is into meditation and runs classes. So I built part of the garden for her.
“We sit out here until late at night sometimes.”
Voting will open after all the gardens have been featured.
Entries can still be submitted by emailing: ashley.ball@barnsley-chronicle.co.uk.