With His Virtual Shoe

Vello sees how the land lies.

The senior gardener thinks Arthur is Costa.

Vello nudges Arthur.

This bush looks unhappy, says Arthur.

It's on our watch and act list, says Adam. What's your opinion?

It wouldn't hurt to dig it up, says Arthur. Pot it, and use it as a curtain.

Adam has not previously heard of  this treatment.

Nor has the bush. But suddenly it feels less unhappy. It's brown leaves perk up and point skyward.

This does not escape Adam's attention.

Worth a try, says Adam. But we're short-staffed at the moment. Lots of Fringe shows. We have to stay open later than usual. But you'd know this.

Yes, says Arthur. We'll do it.

Okay, says Adam. I'll find you a pot.

Well done, Arthur, says David.

Yes, well done, says Vello. He seems to think you're an expert.

I might head off now, says Arthur.

Don't forget to turn up for our dress rehearsal, says Vello.

Sure, says Arthur.

He leaves the Gardens via the Friends Gate, and walks to the Hackney Hotel, where he is offered a free glass of Furphy, and the pick of the new Grazing Table.

Back in the Rose Garden, the Velogram examines the bush.

It's shaped like a hay stack. Hard to get at the bottom.

He scuffs up some peripheral dirt, with his virtual shoe.

Adam comes back with a pot on a trolley.

Good man, says Vello. We'll just wait here for our delivery from Bunnings. One hundred spades.

You should have said, says Adam. We have spades here in abundance.

Ha ha! laughs David. You have spades in spades.

We prefer to use our own, says Vello. The audience may walk away with them.

The audience? says Adam. They can't be allowed to use spades.

First things first, says Vello.

Health and Safety, says Adam.

Yes, yes, says Vello.

What first things first? asks Adam.

No spades yet, says Vello. Like I said. We're waiting.

I'll get you one, says Adam. To start off with.

Good, says Vello. Then my assistant here can start digging.

The Velogram bows.

Adam bows to the Velogram. It seems an appropriate gesture. After all it's Fringe season.

He does enjoy that.