Allan - if you can persuade your "good ladies" to bring you to London, we can complete your education with my late father's collection of gardening books that range from Roses to Rhubarb, taking in ponds, cacti and tomatoes en route. We can even give you a practical demonstration on growing shrubs, bulbs and duck weed.

Then there are the DIY books.......

Have you checked your soffits recently?

LTS