Delightful.

I've inherited an enormous eleagnus hedge, does anybody know if I can hack into it and reduce it to a manageable size it will grow back and green up or will I be left with a collection of bare branches and twigs?

Silvery grey leaves or green/variegated?

Silvery green. Quite big leaves.

OK, has it flowered yet?

No, not yet. In fact there are no signs of any flowers.

Also, does it have thorns?

No, no thorns.

OK, well I guess it's probably Elaeagnus Ebbingei, in which case it should flower late summer/autumn and you can prune it back after that. (Google the Ebbingei and see it it looks like that)

Ok, thanks for that, this has been one of my problems in positively identifying it. I've just gone and had another look at it. The bark is smooth and no signs of any flowers. I'll google your suggestion. 

Grass was hard to do, so out of condition because I had to leave it a week. Bit damp really.

The Grasscutters are here today in the rain,but they use big strimmers and ride on mowers...

garden looks good mowed with sun on it. flowers in full bloom.the lilies are not as strong this year a bit limp sadly.

One of the most telling signs of the lack of sun is that considering how much rain we have had down here.

The grass is not growing as much as it should be, in fact last I cut it was nearly 2 weeks ago and I keep mine fairly short and tidy.

grass cut ruff area cleared lots of new tall nettles cut now easier to prune. yellow summer rose is in full bloom hot lips are mass. the japanese maple has red leaves on top green under the rest of the tree.

Thornless Blackberries have now been netted as turning black..Birds have got at strawberries poking beaks through the netting...

I've never known slugs munching potato plant leaves before 

I caught a couple on mine. But my garden was laden with them a month back. Effects of the pellets must have worn off. Tatties are ok considering how crap the summer has been.

Mid to late summer is the sunflower time...You can also get an Autumn mix...