my weekly 2362

[shaley]

23 down purple patch in gardening (5)

has anyone the answers to 27 and 31 across ?

any help please

[allotment10]

hi shaley, i'm still working on this one (takes me ages!) but can only seem to fit "first names", or "first mates " into 27 & 31, perhaps someone else will see this and help,
i've got lilac for 23 down, but might be wrong!
am going to ask the experts on here soon,

[Pea Pod]

Lilac?

[shaley]

thanks to both of you for your help