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will be completely starkers, while another is just turning, so the chore of collection seems endless. Any leaves that fall on borders are left there, but we rake leaves from the paths and lawn (they smother the grass), adding them to the compost heap

A few days ago a fox vaulted over the fence and landed on the two cats asleep just outside the back door. Fur flew. The poor beast didn't stand a chance. It stopped half way up the lawn and turned to see what exploding ammunition dump it had fallen

tulips, not the shoes) but I haven’t quite got round to actually digging the holes.I don’t know why, but sometimes the ancient Lord of Procrastination overtakes my life. Almost anything - mending the lawn mower, rodding a drain or sitting on the sofa

it with 10 parts water, to use as a fertiliser.AdamAdd fruit and vegetable peelings, cooked veg (except potatoes), shredded paper, cardboard and newspaper, crushed egg shells, tea leaves and coffee, but avoid meat and dairy products, lawn clippings, citrus

is sufficient for most plants.AdamChoose young plants over mature ones, as they require less water.Leave your lawn to grow to a length of 2.5cm in summer, to help it stay green during dry periods.More advice on wateringHow to fit gutteringHow to water your

, hanging baskets and other containers. The roots of the plants grow around the saturated granules to draw moisture as they need it.AdamDon't worry about the lawn in dry weather. It will soon recover the next time it rains.Grow drought-tolerant plants

I'm always looking for ways to make wildlife in my garden feel more welcome and at home. After all, it has just as much right to be there as I do. Of course I question the big things (can I justify having a lawn and patio, or would creatures prefer

it on our lawn by mistake. Yum! I mentioned in my blog a few weeks ago the problem we've had with squirrels, but I wouldn't recommend getting a dog if you're troubled by them. Yes she'll chase them down the garden, and bark ferociously to scare them away

found two hedgehogs in it last year). In amongst this shredded stuff we put all vegetable waste, old leaves and cleanings out of chicken houses (and, when we had such things, hamster cages). I also add the lawn mowings but, in order to stop it becoming a

and lawn clippings. Bags of peat-free compost may cost a few pounds, but in my view it's money well spent.