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falls. There was a lot of it, more than I would have attributed to a single frog. I stuck my fingers in to pull some out to show the children, and was surprised to find how difficult it was to separate. It must be 40 years since I last wrestled with some

put it back and went on with the day's work of clearing up the garden and smearing mud patterns on the patio.The frog caused much more excitement. I'm not surprised it took off like a demented rocket - I had just run right over the top

While the growling frogs in my mum's shallow pond have gone quiet (“and who can blame them, the pond completely froze over last week”, observed my mother), a pair of robins has been busy in the garden of my mother-in-law. Despite the bad weather

A local cat has found my garden. It was only a matter of time, I suppose, after I had made the frogs, birds and mouse so welcome. And what a lure they must be, for the cat has to scale a six foot wall to reach them, as well as face my wrath each

, but the combination of dry day (getting me out), clear water and the slanting rays of the sun, have all conspired to make this an exciting event.There is something much more primordial about a newt than, say, a frog or a toad. Perhaps it’s the dragging crocodilian

from new growth on dahlias, pelargoniums and fuchsias Place a raised paving slab among crops for frogs and toads to shelter under

for the lifecycles of frogs, dragonflies and water beetles, and will also make it easier for creatures like hedgehogs and birds to bathe. Deeper areas (up to 1m) are essential too, as frogs overwinter in the muddy depths, breathing through their skin.The following

one. The large one would have a few fish in it.The theory is that the small pond would be perfect for breeding frogs, the medium-sized one would attract newts, and the large fishpond would provide the best conditions for toads. Dragon- and damselflies

Feed fast-growing plants with a diluted liquid or powdered fertiliser Thin out congested pond plantsHand weed flower beds to prevent weeds establishing and setting seedBuild simple log piles at the back of borders to provide shelter for frogs, toads

to eye.Whether you go out of your way to help wildlife in your garden or spend hours tending a perfectly manicured plot, you’re sharing your pride and joy with wild creatures. These could be a family of hedgehogs or bumblebees, frogs, earwigs, whatever