Mrs Wilson and the Laburnum

"Ke-en."

Hutch recognised the voice that called to him as he got out of his car. He grimaced slightly but quickly smoothed a smile on his face as he turned towards the speaker and waved.

"Hello, Mrs Wilson. How are you doing today?" he answered, as he watched for a gap in the traffic and then crossed over to the other sidewalk.

"Oh, I'm doing fine, my dear. I just wondered if you and Dave might be able to do a little job for me this weekend?"

"I should think so. What do you need help with?"

"My new laburnum went over in that wind we had yesterday. I need help restaking it and I'm also wondering about taking the top off so it's not so tall. What do you think?"

"Well. I'm not an expert on trees but I'll do some research. We can come over midday tomorrow, if you think the tree will be okay until then."

"Oh yes, it will be fine. Now, go and relax. You look like you've had a busy week. I'm sorry to bother you and take up so much of your time."

On sudden impulse, Hutch bent and kissed the old lady's cheek and said, "You're never a bother. See you tomorrow."

As he crossed the street again and headed up to his apartment, Hutch realised that he already felt better than he had. Talking to Mrs Wilson just seemed to lift his spirits and give him something else to think about. Like laburnums.

He collected a beer from the fridge, found his book on shrubs and trees (bought in the hopes of one day having a larger garden) and settled down to read.

/\/\/\/\

The next day, Starsky dutifully arrived at Hutch's place at midday. He was always happy to help out Mrs Wilson as she was a lovely lady, but also because there was usually cake on offer as payment.

Hutch met him on the sidewalk and handed him a pair of thick gardening gloves.

"What is it we're doing?"

"Restaking a laburnum."

"And what is a laburnum?"

"It's a small tree, which has beautiful yellow flowers in Spring," Hutch replied. "It is also poisonous so make sure you keep your gloves on."

Starsky looked slightly startled but nodded.

As they approached her front door, Mrs Wilson opened it and welcomed them in. She led them through to the backyard and showed them the laburnum.

"Well, Ken, what do you think? Should we pollard it to stop the wind taking it over again?"

Hutch shook his head.

"No, I think we should leave it. Once the roots are established, it should be fine. Laburnums don't really like hard pruning. I'm worried if we take the top off a fungus will get in and kill it off."

Mrs Wilson nodded.

"I did wonder about that. I'll just have to hope we don't have another bad storm anytime soon."

"Well, Starsky and I can make sure it's in deep enough and that stake you have looks sturdy. I'm sure it will be all right."

"Thank you."

Mrs Wilson left the two of them to replant the tree and stake it. It didn't take them too long. They quickly tidied up the tools and went into the house. Mrs Wilson called to them from the kitchen and they found her pouring coffee for them. Starsky's eyes lit up when he saw the two large slices of chocolate cake already cut and set out on plates.

The three of them sat at the kitchen table and chatted as they drank their coffees and ate.

"Great cake as always," Starsky said.

Mrs Wilson looked pleased.

"Mrs W?" Starsky asked. "Where did you get hold of that tree and how did you get it home?"

"A new nursery has opened up a few blocks away. I saw an advert in the paper and took a bus over there a few weekends ago. Unfortunately, they deliver to a wide area."

"Unfortunately?"

Mrs Wilson laughed. "Yes, unfortunately. I would never have bought the tree if they hadn't offered to deliver it!"

"Ah, I see."

"The have a wonderful range of plants. You should visit it sometime, Ken. It's called Deacons Nursery and it's over on Wilmington."

Starsky saw Hutch's eyes literally light up with interest.

"Well, I guess we might be paying them a visit this afternoon," Starsky said, with a knowing smile and a slight roll of the eyes.

Hutch nodded.

The two of them stood up to go, thanking Mrs Wilson for the cake while she thanked them for their work. Then they left and walked back to Hutch's place.

"We'd better head off to that nursery now," Starsky observed. "Or we won't be back in time to watch the game."

Hutch checked the time on Starsky's watch.

"We've got hours till the game!"

Starsky snorted. "I stand by what I said. You and a new nursery? Payday yesterday? We'll be lucky if we're home before dark!"

Hutch chuckled but nevertheless collected his wallet and car keys.

"I'm not going in your car!" Starsky protested.

"Do you want your trunk to be full of leaves and dirt?"

As he'd just cleaned and washed his car that morning, Starsky mumbled, "Fine."

The two of them climbed into Hutch's car and they were soon on their way.

As they approached the nursery, Starsky reminded him, "Remember, you don't have a garden. You can't buy any trees!"

/\/\/\/\

"Where are you going to put all these plants?" Starsky asked as he carried yet another one up the stairs.

"I'll find room," Hutch declared.

"I'm guessing pizza tonight is on me as you just spent this month's pay!"

Starsky pretended to be exasperated but he couldn't help smiling at his happy partner. Hutch was already moving pots and finding a way to squeeze one more pot in here and one more pot in there.

"Sorry...what did you say?" a distracted Hutch asked.

"Never mind. I'm ordering pizza. What do you want on your half?"

"Anything veggie," came the reply.

"As if it would be anything else," Starsky muttered, as he picked up the phone to place the order.