Snuffling around!

In haste today - but here's an idea for a fun indoor game for those of you whose dogs are getting to spend less time outdoors sniffling around the garden. Haven't tried it myself yet but Archie and Angel love the challenge of getting a treat out of a towel, so I'll be adding this to my list of things to make and try after Christmas! Here's the link: SNUFFELMAT

Still blooming!

No, not being over optimistic at all ...

even at this time of year

the alpine strawberries are still blooming and producing small fruits! 

A splash of colour

Despite a couple of heavy frosts, the rhododendron in the front garden has burst into bloom once again - it is covered in buds with more opening every day! There are also plenty of primroses creating a welcome splash of colour on dull days in the back garden ... what's blooming in your garden? 

Find out more HERE!

Poo bags ... not just for poo!

No matter how thorough you think you've been when digging up the spuds, when you go over the patch again to prepare it for next year's crops, you always find a few more. Not having brought anything with me to carry produce home in, a quick search of my pockets produced the usual ever-present bundle of (empty) dog poo bags - just the right size for transporting the spuds in. We will enjoy them later, boiled with mint from the allotment and served with a knob of butter ... and no doubt the wippitts will get a share too!

Find out more HERE

Thinking ahead

A bit of a blatant plug today - but it's all in a good cause!
If you are being organised and planning out your Christmas present list for friends and relatives,
why not give those who are dog owners a copy of Dog-friendly Gardening?
It will help them ensure that the garden is a safe as well
as fun place for everyone - two and four legged - to be.
All royalties are donated to a charitable cause: to
find out more visit the website at
http://dogfriendlygardening.jimdo.com/

If you want to buy the book, click the link below!

Click HERE for link

Dazzling

A dry afternoon the day before yesterday meant I had an opportunity to give the patio a quick clean. Not my favourite job and I had been lazy about it during the summer, but really couldn't leave it any longer as although it was fine on dry days, every time it rained it became treacherously slippery. And with autumn well and truly here and winter on its way, there are obviously going to be more wet than dry days ahead ...
So the dogs were left indoors safely out of the way and out came the power washer - it is an 'own brand' one from B&Q and has been one of my better equipment purchases. It does the job nicely and cost less than the comparative named brands. Although you can buy various products to apply to patios and paths to clean them, I'm always wary of those which carry instructions that tell you that although it is a 'pet friendly' product you shouldn't let your pet walk on it for a certain period of time. A presssure washer uses nothing but water, so provided you leave your pet indoors while working so he cannot accidentally get blasted, I'm happy that it is entirely safe. The only down side is that it does tend to blast the mortar out of the cracks - another job for next year - but it was loose anyway, I suppose. And happily the painstakingly cultivated moss between other paving slabs seems to have survived the experience!
The patio will obviously never look like new again (although I'm not sure I should like it to) but it is much brighter and cheerier - and more importantly still, is now safe for both two and four legged folk to walk on.

Click HERE for link

Remember, remember ...

I'm posting early this week, as Wednesday night will be Guy Fawkes' night.
Yes, it's that time of year again and as well as the distress that fireworks may cause your dog and other pets, wildlife has good cause to be anxious too. Please, please, check very carefully beneath any bonfires before lighting them - whether piles of leaves which have been swept up in your garden, or a Guy Fawkes night construction - as hedgehogs may be hibernating beneath them. The best way to make sure you don't accidentally roast one is to actually lift and move everything onto a new pile.


You can find some more info on how you can help this gardener's friend HERE

CLICK HERE FOR LINK