I'm handing over to a robot (you know the one)

And going on holiday

My amateur garden, which I asked ChatGPT to write about.

Hello! A quick-ish one today, as I am away in Norfolk with my mum, sister, brother-in-law and little nephews aged three and three quarters and nearly six.

As I’m on holiday, in a moment I’m going to let ChatGPT take over and tell you all about the things I like this week.

I’m so curious about this new technology and have been joking about how it might replace my job, so I thought I’d see whether it can produce writing that’s any good.

Before I let the robot take over, I want to let you know that I’m taking a break from writing for a couple of weeks, so I’ll see you on 27 August.

One thing I’m going to do during my time off is see Freddie Mercury, A World of his Own, at the auction house Sotheby’s, a vast collection of costumes and trinkets that his friend Mary Austin is selling.

My mum works for Sotheby’s, and has been helping prepare the exhibition, steaming his shirts, stuffing his trainers ready for display and even putting the padded Marks & Spencer bra he wore in the video for ‘I want to break free’ on a mannequin. I’m so proud of her, and I’m excited to see it all!

I’m most looking forward to seeing Freddie’s scribbled lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody, written on airline notepaper in the mid-1970s, which has an estimate of £800,000 to £1.2 million. It’s amazing to see the origin of such a huge song, something that was so unconventional and unlike any other piece of rock now, or then.

Anyway, here’s what I asked ChatGPT to write, and what it came up with. What do you reckon?

Me:

Hello, could you write a 250-word newsletter titled 'things I like' including gertrude jekyll roses, amateur gardening, the jersey tiger moth that appeared in my garden, growing things like salvia amistad from a cutting, growing my own yellow cherry tomatoes, which taste like nectar, and nurturing tiny little seeds into life?

ChatGPT:

Things I Like: A Celebration of Nature and Gardening

Welcome to this edition of "Things I Like," where we delve into the wonders of nature and the joys of gardening. As we explore the beauty that surrounds us, we discover the magic in the simplest of things.

1. Gertrude Jekyll Roses: Amongst the countless varieties of roses, the Gertrude Jekyll stands out with its breathtaking fragrance and stunning blooms. Their vibrant colors and timeless elegance make them a cherished addition to any garden.

2. Amateur Gardening: There's something undeniably therapeutic about getting your hands dirty and nurturing plants. Whether it's a sprawling backyard or a tiny balcony, amateur gardening lets us connect with nature in a meaningful way.

3. The Jersey Tiger Moth: One warm morning, a delightful surprise graced my garden – the Jersey Tiger Moth. Its vivid orange and black pattern mesmerized me, serving as a reminder of the incredible diversity of life that can flourish right at our doorstep.

4. Growing Salvia Amistad from a Cutting: Witnessing the growth of a plant from a single cutting into a thriving, blossoming entity is a joyous experience. Salvia Amistad, with its deep purple flowers, adds an enchanting allure to any green space.

5. Yellow Cherry Tomatoes: A true delight for the senses, these tiny yellow cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, reminiscent of nectar. Growing them in my own garden not only ensures their freshness but also fills my heart with pride.

6. Nurturing Tiny Seeds: There's an inexplicable joy in watching tiny seeds sprout into delicate seedlings, each holding the promise of a beautiful future. It's a reminder of the resilience and wonder of life's beginnings.

In a fast-paced world, finding solace in nature and gardening can be a balm for the soul. As we take a moment to appreciate the Gertrude Jekyll roses' elegance, try our hand at nurturing tiny seeds, or simply marvel at the wonders of the Jersey Tiger Moth, we are reminded of life's simple pleasures.

So, let's continue to cherish the beauty around us, connect with nature, and revel in the joys of gardening – a journey that brings us closer to the natural world and ourselves.

Wishing you an abundance of green and natural wonders,

Lucy.

Thank you, ChatGPT. What do you reckon? Not bad, but the writing is a little too cheesy and cliched for me. I didn’t ask it to write in a particular style, but I still think I can do better! (Phew!)

I’ll leave you with this cute holiday anecdote…

My younger nephew loves to sing ‘When Santa got Stuck up the Chimney’ at any time of year, and he was excited to see the chimney in the cottage we’re staying in, and immediately checked to see if Father Christmas was stuck in it. ‘When’s Christmas?’ I asked the older one. ‘In three weeks!’ he said. Happy holidays!