Garden Centres II

By drkevin
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Yes, garden centres have certainly changed over the years. There are still some originals, with more weeds than plants, no refreshments, and three old hillbillies nattering in a shed. Many have gone the other way, bordering on a theme park, with giant plastic elephants, delapidated hay carts, old motorbikes and gypsy caravans. Eventually, these parks may become semi-virtual realities - with one overlooked pot plant in a corner.
But then, what's new?
Whole shopping streets in major towns have turned into abandoned film sets, with barely a soul to be seen until darkness falls. Then the zombies emerge, desperate for a fix or cheap lager, pockets bulging with questionable cash and virtuous sympathy. Lucky people?
Perhaps not.
But here are a few memories from garden centres to finish. I recall one family sitting down to an expensive meal, only to find two staff members from the main retail section (all year Christmas decorations etc) marching towards them. Oblivious to the family eating, the staff produced electric drills and started putting up a dozen picture prints of tranquil rural scenes. The plaster dust created by this ongoing activity covered the immediate area in cumulus cloud. Amazingly, the family toughed it out, shouting amiably above the noise, and apparently enjoying the additional free condiment landing on their plates.
A disturbing example of modern culture?
More encouragingly, one old lady who had made the mistake of sitting in a designer garden chair was soon receiving help from her family. The bottom of the curved steel chair was only about three inches from the ground, while the bar at the front held her knees about a foot above this level. Without the stomach muscles of a trained athlete, she was effectively trapped and helpless. After many abortive attempts to pull her out, two family members lifted the rear of the chair to roll her forward. This worked only too well, depositing her in the arms of her children who provided ideal cushioning as they all disappeared into a privet hedge.
Oh well. Life is such, and such is life.
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Comments
I don't think I'd have hung
I don't think I'd have hung around with all that noise and disorder, and that poor woman stuck in her chair! Poor soul.
But you're right about shopping streets turning into abandoned film sets. On the occasions I do go into town, it's so boring with no interesting shops, that I can't wait to get home.
You make some valid significant points here, that really need addressing.
Jenny.
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