Hi Henrietta,
Apparently some varieties are more likely to keep their colour than others, there is some stuff yo41526093u can get, but I'm not that bothered what colour they are really. However, I'd really recommend some fertiliser granules, and also if they are in pots, some ericaceous compost. Together, they seem to lead to some amazing growth. Obviously, where we live on the South Coast helps, but I now have lots of flower buds showing on the most sheltered plants.
As for the tractor, eldest son had a second hand one for years, which M inherited after No.1 passed his tractor driving test on his 16th birthday (and subsequently drove his tractor to school!!!)
M became very depressed when he realised he would never be able to drive on the road, but we'd saved up his income support so he had a brand new garden tractor, his pride and joy for the last 20 years. £1,000 over 20 years with only about £300 spent on it was money well spent. It still looks like new as it lives in the brick built steam engine shed. As soon as M comes home he cuts the grass, he's got two trailers as well and a "lawn scratcher/scarifier) so he drives round and round after the lawn is actually cut.
Xx