A Gardening Experience

Last year our roses in the back garden gave us a brilliant display of colour, plenty of flowers and a range of vibrant pinks and yellows.

The pinks being provided by our Gertrude Jekyll have now been in for quite a few years. We had read that if we pruned hard in the Autumn, then we would get more flowers, but smaller flowers, this year. We gave it a go and pruned hard down to about 6 inches above ground level, the expected result is exactly what we got. As you can see, we have many flowers and buds yet to blossom. It seems to have worked, and we are delighted. Each flower has such a beautiful scent. We have decided to hard-prune every two years, and as a result, we may be able to increase the overall size of the rose plant itself.

The yellow rose, an Arthur Bell variety which we have again had for many years. This rose has also responded to hard pruning and given us many blooms. As a flower bud it is very tight and deep yellow with a red trim on the top edges. As the flower opens up, it reveals a really deep yellow, quite compact flower with a perfect coiled centre. As the flower then matures, the colour lessens to a vague yellow, almost white, colour with wider petals and a looser look. The pictures below demonstrate the colour fading  and the opening flower.

Pickleball

I never thought that, at my age, I would be starting a new sporting interest. My good friend Ray retired around a year ago, and he was wondering what to do with his time. His partner mentioned that she had read about a new sport starting up in the local community centre, Pickleball. She suggested that he might enjoy something like this, and he suggested that we could perhaps go together. It was such a good suggestion, as it turned out, and we are now many months into the Pickleball adventure and enjoying it immensely. The game itself is easy to learn, competitive in its way and a fabulous community. The people we have met are from many different backgrounds, and all have their own stories to tell. The community is galvanised by a common interest in Pickleball and we now meet three times a week, for around two hours each session. 

A Quick Guide to Pickleball Types: Indoor, Outdoor, Starter & Pro-Level

Pickleball may look simple at first glance, but the ball you choose has a huge impact on how the game feels. From soft indoor balls to fast, wind‑cutting outdoor models, each type brings its own personality to the court. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories, their pros and cons, and where each one shines.

Indoor Pickleballs

Indoor balls are designed for smooth wooden or synthetic courts. They typically have 26 larger holes, making them lighter and easier to control.

Pros

  • Softer feel and longer rallies

  • Better touch and finesse

  • Quieter on impact

Cons

  • Too light for windy conditions

  • Can feel “floaty” for power players

Best for: Beginners learning control, recreational indoor play, players who prefer softer hands.

Outdoor Pickleballs

Outdoor balls use 40 smaller holes to stay stable in wind and bounce consistently on rougher surfaces like asphalt.

Pros

  • Faster, more predictable bounce

  • Durable against hard courts

  • Handles wind well

Cons

  • Harder on paddles and joints

  • Cracks more easily in cold weather

Best for: Competitive play, outdoor clubs, players who like speed and power.

Starter / Recreational Balls

Starter balls are built for casual play and affordability. They’re usually slightly softer and more forgiving.

Pros

  • Easy to control

  • Budget‑friendly

  • Great for families and new players

Cons

  • Less durable

  • Not suitable for tournament play

Best for: New players, schools, community centres, backyard games.

Pro‑Level / Tournament Balls

Pro balls are engineered for consistency, speed, and durability. They’re often seamless and made to strict USA Pickleball standards.

Pros

  • True flight and bounce

  • Excellent durability

  • Ideal for fast, competitive rallies

Cons

  • Less forgiving for beginners

  • Higher cost

Best for: Advanced players, tournament competitors, clubs seeking top‑tier performance.

Choosing the Right Ball

  • Indoor court? Go for softer, larger‑hole indoor balls.

  • Outdoor play? Choose a 40‑hole outdoor ball for stability.

  • New to the game? Starter balls offer comfort and control.

  • Playing seriously? Pro‑grade balls deliver speed and precision.

 

Returning to Pickleball After a Short Layoff

Yesterday was time for me to get back on the Pickleball horse after a short layoff of three and a half weeks. For a multitude of reasons, from dodgy knees, family commitments and the odd DIY task getting in the way I had not managed to get to Pickleball. I was missing the fitness session of Pickleball, missing the camaraderie of other players and also the competitive edge of the game, so I was excited to be going back.

My absence had also been missed by the other Picklers. I had received many messages from them regarding my well-being and support for me to return to the game. I felt this was really nice, and it made me think again just how nice our group of players were. Each is taking an interest in the welfare of others. What a group and how blessed we are.

With a turn out of just 14 players this session, the games came thick and fast with little "off-time" in between games, having been out for so long, I really felt the physicality of returning to play and was properly knackered come the end of the session. Regardless of the aches and pains from playing, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and felt good about returning to play.

There was a lot of discussion around the balls with which we play. During the session, we managed to destroy two balls. The supply of the balls has long been a talking point as it is felt that the Community Centre, in which we play, cannot go on supplying the balls indefinitely and there has been much discussion around how/who pays for the balls moving forward.

There a variety of balls available, of varying quality and of varying type. There are different balls for indoor and outdooor play, and there is a range of balls available depending on the skill level of the players.  With each variety there is a range of prices and quality, so there is much discussion to be had, especially so if we have to start paying for them ..... anarchy at the gates of Pickleball!

Some players feel that as they do not want to play formal competitions, they should not be asked to pay extra for "Competition standard" balls when more run of the mill balls would be appropriate for them when they are not playing in competitions.

Pickleball Paddles

There is a range of Pickleball paddles available. They vary in price and in size, there are strict limitations on which sizes can be used in competition play. The paddle thickness is also regulated. When choosing a paddle, select a paddle to match your style of play. 

Pickleball paddles must comply with size, weight, material, and performance standards set by governing bodies like USAPA and UPA-A to be legal for play.

Size and composition of the paddles can affect the power levels achieved when striking the ball, degrees of spin and the position of the "sweet spot".

So it is important to ensure you obtain the right paddle for you, your style of play and you degree of expertise/skill.