Am April Fool spoof by Cardwell Garden Centre that featured in the Greenock Telegraph evening newspaper had some people fooled – and even more laughing.
Cardwell came up with an exclusive story about how they had been working with French scientists to develop seeds that grow into grass that cuts itself.
They even staged a photograph of Cardwell member of staff, Jackie McFadyen, wearing a white laboratory coat testing the wonder grass known only as Batch No. 1-04-17 under a microscope.
The newspaper?s story went on to reveal that the grass that cuts itself was discovered after an ultra-violet light was accidently left shining on a tray of turf, this had caused a decrease in the amount of chlorophyll in the grass, which meant growth was stunted.
A spokesperson for Paris-based horticultural giants, L?Organics Francais, a Madame Avril L?Une was quoted praising Cardwell staff for their expertise in developing the wonder seeds.
Clues in the story that it was a spoof were that seeds were known as Batch 1-04-17 ? April Fool?s Day. Then there was the spokeswoman for the French horticultural firm who were going to help market the wonder grass seeds worldwide, called Avril L?Une ? French for April the One.
Readers posted their reactions to the story on social media, with Donnie Alan on Facebook saying: ?Hope this is a joke or I’ve wasted good money buying the missus a new lawnmower for her birthday.?
Elana Curruthers also posted on Facebook: ?I want some of the sample from tray 1-04-17.? And Iain Miller added: ?The scientist Avril L’ Une – did actually make me laugh, as did the tray number. Good one.?
And Helen McCormick said: ?Good one folks – had me going for a minute, but that’s because I believe in Inverclyde’s ability to Innovate.?
One Facebooker, John Cannon even added his own joke posting: ?I spray my grass at night with vodka, so when I get up in the morning it’s half cut.?
Paul Carmichael, Cardwell?s retail general manager said: ?We came up with the idea of doing an April Fool to raise awareness of our brand and to get people talking about Cardwell as we approach the time of year when garden centres become busier.?Giving people a laugh creates a positive perception.?
He added, joking: ?It?s just a pity the story wasn?t true. Just think how many people there are who hate the chore of cutting their grass. With these seeds they could sit back in their garden chairs and literally watch the grass cut itself!?
