Bindweed

Today's the day ................................. to strangle

It's funny how some things that were said to you as a child have a deep and lasting effect on you - and remain with you all through your life.

When I was about four or five years old, we lived in a house that had a very neglected, overgrown garden. My mother would periodically tackle the bindweed that had spread over everything - but really it was a bit of a losing battle. I remember her coming into the house all hot and bothered after a weeding session and giving vent to her hatred of this plant. Somehow I misunderstood what she was saying - and I know that's when I started thinking that somehow the plants were actually attacking her. They were trying to strangle her - the fight had got personal.

Even today when I saw this bindweed I felt a shudder go down my spine. It's a fact that its proper latin name Convolvulus has got sinister connotations. You will never convince me that this is a plant with anything other than an evil intention to take over the world ....................................