Small Poppy Syndrome

National stereotypes are so misleading in real life, though very useful in literature. D H Lawrence hated Australia and wrote a long-winded moan about the place in "Kangaroo" which I attribute more to his poor state of health at the time, rather than to any general misdemeanours on the part of Australians. Some Australians have asked me if I am disappointed with the lack of history on the continent, but since I dislike history, 200 years of recorded comings and goings is quite enough. I tend to develop short poppy syndrome when there so that the taller ones can bloom as a group. Apparently they are obsessed with this subject.

A Favour, Please

Friends are bringing an Australian garden to the Chelsea Flower Show this year.

I have just tweeted a post to wish them good fortune, and if the gods should smile, a gold.

If you chance to read this, I would be very grateful if you would retweet:

#Australia at #Chelsea http://theaustraliangarden.wordpress.com/ The luck of the #Irish to all concerned, love from #Dublin

Replacing "Irish" and "Dublin" with one's chosen location and city could build up a nice kaleidoscope of goodwill.

And good luck to all who are going to Chelsea this year.