Rose Hips.

The recent frosts have not done these hips any favours, at least, not from the aesthetic point of view. Like most fruits, the flesh of the hips is intended to be eaten; however, while many seeds mature while passing through a digestive system, the rose's hairy, irritant seeds are generally spat out.

Many years ago, I lived in a small village while it was being connected to the mains sewerage system; the septic tanks were seen as being a good, cheap source of garden fertiliser; in fact, it was cheaper to have their contents spread over the garden than to have it carted away and dumped. The following summer there was an excellent crop of free tomatoes.

Today, I received my come-uppance after frequently lampooning some of the displays at the Garden Emporium. Having had lunch there, we looked around for some gifts and came across a set of four glass coasters decorated with dachshunds. Mrs TD asked me how much they were and, like an idiot, I turned the box up-side-down to check the price ticket; fortunately, only one of them was broken. As regular customers, we were only asked to pay half price for them; it was a good deal, we now have three glass coasters for the price of two. We know a family of three that own two dachshunds - so that’s one Christmas present sorted.