Gardeners' Grievances: Wind Chimes, Woodlice, and More

A gardener’s peace can be easily disrupted, as one reader discovered when a neighbour’s incessantly tinkling wind chimes drove them to drastic measures. Stephen Smith of Glasgow recounts a swift and secret act to restore silence-though, unlike the pensioner who fought noise pollution with tragic consequences for his koi fish, no aquatic life was harmed in this case. The incident, while extreme, highlights the lengths some may go to reclaim tranquility in their outdoor spaces. ## The Bigotry Debate Elsewhere, Paul McGilchrist of Cromer, Norfolk, praises Zoe Williams for her courage in criticising Rod Liddle’s divisive rhetoric. McGilchrist argues that Liddle’s mean-spirited bigotry will be remembered by as many as those now defending his words as bold iconoclasm, suggesting that the writer’s legacy is more complex than some might claim. ## Regional Sayings and Gardening Tips Peter Jamieson of Dumfries shares a nostalgic reflection on his late father’s Dundonian phrases for describing illness, from "no’ weel" to "needin’ awa." Meanwhile, Alan Pearson of Broadbottom, Greater Manchester, offers a practical solution for Malcolm Rivers’ strawberry woes: suspending the fruit above ground level to deter woodlice, which, he notes, are "not brilliant climbers." These letters remind us that gardening is as much about managing external disturbances-whether noise, pests, or even societal debates-as it is about nurturing plants. As the season progresses, gardeners may find solace in both the quiet of their plots and the shared wisdom of fellow enthusiasts.