The Wonders Of Rosehip Oil

There's no shortage of roses around here, although they are never on my menu, too tough for us snails and all those thorns!  However, you humans should not miss out on the magic that is rosehip oil.   During the second world war it was very common for rosehips to be harvested to make into rosehip jelly, it was a great source of vitamin C for a population living on rations and where imported fresh fruit was unheard of.  Nowadays rosehips are pretty much ignored except by keen gardeners who appreciate them for their seasonal interest.  But Vitamin C is not all that rosehips contain and in the world of natural beauty (and indeed in the mainstream beauty industry) rosehip oil is causing a stir.

Rosehip oil is packed with goodies and as such makes a wonderful deep penetrating moisturiser for tired and damaged skin.  It restores vitality and brightness, it visibly reduces wrinkles and naturally helps scars to fade, such as stretch marks and acne pitting.  Rosehip oil contains large quantities of essential fatty acids, long know for their skin enhancing properties, but it is also rich in anti-oxidants such as lycopene and carotene.  Studies show that these caratenoids have the ability to protect the skin, indeed that is the very reason that plants are rich in these, to protect them from sun damage!  

The best thing about rosehip oil is that it is natural and organic and doesn't require the addition of unpleasant chemicals in order to rejuvenate skin.  It is safe for both children and adults and can be used on the face or on the body.  You need only just rub a few drops in every day, so a little of this magic really does go a long way.  After three weeks of consistent use, users claim to notice a vast improvement in skin tone and suppleness.  

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Looking After Mature Skin

Obviously I have beautifully moist and dewy skin, I take great pride in it.  Of course I am very careful with it and never go out in the full glare of the sun.  I realise you guys don't have shells, but maybe a parasol?  Ok, the subject of this post is mature skin ladies and how to look after it.

Firstly take my advice on not exposing your face to full sunlight, however vitamin D is important to your overall well being (and therefore your skin) so I would still advise you to get 20 minutes a day of sunlight on your arms and legs, just avoid the hottest part of the day - maybe ten minutes exposure in the early morning and ten minutes in the late afternoon.  That way you should get the best of both worlds

Keeping yourself well-hydrated is important, however this doesn't mean you have to be constantly glugging back gallons of water.  The water found in fruit and other beverages still counts.  Of course if you eat lots of fruit you are not only benefitting from the water content but all those lovely vitamins aswell.  (Why do you think I'm always on your salad crops?)

It is also possible to exercise the face.  Sit comfortably in front of a mirror and relax, move your head from side to side and up and down gently to dispel any tension.  Now face the mirror directly, keep all your facial muscles relaxed.  Tip your chin up slightly, open your mouth as wide as you can, keeping your mouth wide open attempt to smile.  Do this until you can feel your facial muscles working, hold for a count of ten - don't forget to breath- and then relax.  Repeat three times every day. 

Finally you need a good skincare routine to manage mature skin and keep it looking good. Ensure that on a daily basis you cleanse, tone and moisturise. (moisturize if you're an American snail!)  Try to avoid soap based cleansers they are alkaline and will be too harsh and drying.  Similarly harsh toners should be avoided, it is now possible to buy facial mists containing pore tightening agents as well as moisturising the skin, some times referred to as two phase toners.  Finally find a good moisturise containing AHAs, peptides, and phyto-collagen.  Please choose organic products these are better for your skin and for the environment and us snails.

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The World Of Small: A wooden dolls house

I walk (or slide if you prefer) among giants.  Being small I like to think small, to shrink my universe into something of a size that I am able to comprehend.  I have discovered that small humans need to do this as well, it helps them understand their place in the world and make sense of their experiences.  Big stuff can sometimes be overwhelming for newbie humans.  Child development experts refer to this behaviour as small world play.  Where little humans manipulate even littler figures, such as dolls, animals and dinosaurs and create a make believe world where they can try out ideas and express a range of emotions withing the safe confines of the small world they have created for them.  There are lots of toys that support this type of play for example a train set, a model farm or a wooden dolls house.

Providing toys like this for little humans gives them plenty of opportunity to explore the world without taking real risks.  But grown up humans can do an awful lot to help them.  They can provide a variety of materials to encourage children to solve problems and get creative.  If you have bought a wooden dolls house you can encourage the child to furnish it with things they have made out of fabric, such as curtains and little cushions, give them paper to make pictures for the walls, carpet samples can be used to carpet the new home.  They can even make furniture out of other toys such as Lego or Ello. 

A wooden dolls house will supply many happy hours of playing.  There is a huge range available on the market from traditional wooden dolls houses to a thoroughly modern eco-house kitted out with recycling bins, wind turbines and a rainwater tank. 

This kind of play promotes social confidence, language skills, creativity and imagination and even fine motor skills.  You are unlikely to regret the purchase of a wooden dolls house for your children and because they are well made you may even be lucky enough one day to watch your grandchildren playing with the house.  Generations of fun and development are in your hands. 

Now I have to go and shine my shell, I'm incredibly house proud you know!

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Better Soil With A Soil Sieve

So you think your worst enemy in the garden is me do you?  Well lets see what your bifurcated carrots have to say to that.  Besides carrot fly they might tell you what they really don't like about your garden is the incredibly stony soil.  How are they supposed to put down long, straight roots if they keep hitting stones?  By the way the parsnips are feeling pretty sore about this as well.

In medieval times of course children were kept out of trouble and usefully employed picking stones out of the fields.  In this day and age of molly-codddling that isn't an option, you will have to seriously up their pocket money first!  So what is the gardener to do when faced with angry root vegetables and stony soil? 

What you need is a soil sieve.  For sifting large quantities of soil you need a free standing soil sieve, such as a rotary soil seive, or one that will sit in  or across a wheel barrow.  You can make your own bespoke wooden frame for this purpose that sits across your barrow, supporting a wire mesh through which you sieve the soil.  The seived soil in the barrow is then easy to tip back into the beds where you will plant your very happy root veg.

For smaller quantities of soil or for sieving compost in preparation for seed sowing then a small hand sieve will do the trick.  You can buy fairly cheap plastic ones  or something like the traditionally handcrafted soil sieves above.  These are beautiful and pleasant to use.  Use them not just for sifting soil but also to separate bean seeds from pods and for dusting a light covering of soil over small seeds to optimize germination.  These will hang very neatly and beautifully from a peg on the shed wall. 

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Lovely Wooden Toys

Now you guys know how much I hate plastic, it is enough to make a snail explode. (Quite literally!)  So whenever I get the chance I like to promote products that are non-toxic and plastic free.  Now as it happens I quite like small humans, they seem to like snails more than the adult of the species.  And like us, as yet at least, they don't have much say in how things are done, but they will inherit the results of whatever you do.

So in the name of fun and in the name of sustainability and for the sake of all gastropods I'm going to suggest that when you buy toys for children you shun cheap, nasty plastic toys with their bells and whistles and opt for something a little more natural and sustainable. 

Childrens wooden toys are fabulous, children love them because they free the child to use their imagination (supply their own bells and whistles instead of relying on batteries) and explore the world on their own terms.  Wooden toys are well thought out to stimulate a variety of learning experiences from promoting gross motor skills to fine motor skills as well as inviting small-world play and imaginative role-play situations. Encouraging children to improvise their own play enables them to make connections between different experiences and understand how we communicate and symbolize those experiences. 

High quality craftmanship is always evident in such toys, these are not cheap mass produced imports, but sturdy durable toys that you will find not only serve your children but grand children and future generations beyond.  They will not be found decaying in land fill sites but will be treasured forever, furnishing families with happy memories.  Childrens wooden toys are bright, attractive and appealing to the eye. They do not clash horribly with our homes but supply a cosy,well worn and casual atmosphere that is relaxing. Wooden toys suggest a family life that is connected, happy and easy going. Wood feels warm and inviting and is pleasant to the touch, inviting tactile sensory play. We should not assume just because a toy doesn't move, bleep or have bells on they will not appeal to children. That is condescending. We should trust their judgement and appreciate their gift of imagination, they will play with wooden toys quite happily and put them to ingenious uses you would have never thought of.

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Living Christmas Trees

Now being a snail you know how much I hate plastics, what with all those leaching chemicals and in any case plastic, fake christmas trees are hideous, no matter what anyone thinks.  I can't imagine that plastics could be good for the environment. I acknowledge that various people claim they can be used again and again and consequently cut down on chopping down trees but I read in a newspaper (being a very clever sort of a gastropod, I must admit I did leave a bit of a slime trail across it) that the truth is, a sizeable percentage of them end up in landfill within two to three years. All things considered I think you humans should opt for potted Christmas trees. 

It is entirely possible to keep your tree in good health for quite a few years in containers before they eventually have to be planted out, but even then you'll have preserved a tree instead of destroying a tree. If you explore online you will come across reliable garden suppliers that can deliver living Christmas trees to your home, and if you look after your tree and keep it thriving, the following Christmas you will have to do no more than retrieve it from the backyard. This represents a year on year saving also. This seems a lot less complicated than going out to buy a Christmas tree and then asking yourself how you will ever fit it into the car! And that's one more bonus, the car will not end up full of pine needles. Potted Christmas trees have healthy rootballs that help the tree to stay in good condition and because of this your tree will not drop hundreds of needles everywhere. The repeated brushing up of pine is one of those jobs you would be happy to avoid during this busy time of year!


Now a few tips to help you keep your living christmas trees in tip top condition:-

a. Allow your tree to gradually get used to indoor temperatures and don't boot it back out into the garden suddenly when Christmas is over, the shock could damage the tree.
b. Fairly obvious, but keep your tree watered.
c. Don't place your tree next to sources of heat.
d. Dress your tree gently and then enjoy!

If you follow these tips you may avoid having to fork out for a new tree next year, and I'm sure at this time of year folks are always looking to save money.  Here is a living christmas tree in my garden, they taste disgusting so I never eat them, but they are quite pretty to have around!

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Birdwatching

Man has been both enchanted and enthralled by birds throughout history. Maybe we covet their capability to take flight, and also the liberty it symbolizes. Observing birds also illustrates the frailty of life in the wild – how do our fragile looking garden birds get through a bitterly cold winter? Well now you might have the opportunity to find out.

Bird watching is an easy, interesting, and tranquil pastime that everyone, young or old, can engage in, in any locality. Some of the enjoyment in birding is attempting to keep over the years records on the general trends in local bird populations. Nowadays Wild life organizations invite the general public to take part in bird count exercises. Bird watching can be a relatively healthy interest, feeding both mind and body in the glorious outdoors.

What paraphernalia is required? First, binoculars; 10x50, 10x40, or 8x30 work most effectively. It's best not to opt for more powerful binoculars. They're just too bulky to cart all over and will not provide better vision of the birds. Smaller ones won't give the views of the birds necessary for accurate identification.

Please do not dress in bright, noticeable colours. The birds will see these from a long way away and will be scared off. The advisable thing to do is to wear dark shades of green or dark brown colours. Such colors will be less noticeable and partly conceal any approach to where the birds are. Ensure apparel and shoes or boots are right for the climatic conditions and terrain. Additionally, carry a slimline pocket notebook or pocket recorder to jot down what has been observed, and a detailed description of those birds which can't be recognized precisely.




If trekking in the wilds is not your idea of fun you can open up a whole new world of “nature at your doorstep” by tempting birds into the backyard. Even city or urban yards can become a nesting haven for birds with some attention to detail. Plant indigenous trees and shrubs, more compact trees suitable for gardens include things like mountain ash, hawthorn and crab apples. Or perhaps make use of trees such as hazel and willow which can be cut back hard to contain their shape. Whenever possible make natural hedges, which include dog roses, guelder rose, hawthorn, wild privet. Pyracantha and Contoneaster are good shrubs to have around the garden, think berries when you decide upon shrubs. Blanket garden walls with climbing vegetation, this will provide refuge both for birds and the insects that birds depend upon for food. Grow native flowers in your flowerbeds, especially those with sizeable seed heads for example teasel,these supply food as well as providing attractive sculpture in the winter garden. Even the smallest pond will make your backyard popular with birds. Stop chemical use within the garden as you may risk eliminating insect food resources and possibly even harming birds. Hang birdfeeders out in the cold months and put up nesting boxes.

Enjoy Garden Birds Too!
A bird feeder outside the kitchen window offers you ample opportunity to enjoy wild birds, however if you would like to see birds close up then a bird box camera is the answer. With one of these you can actually observe the baby birds when they hatch and study their progress in to the world. You will get your own personal wildlife programme on tap. There's a lot of types to choose from. Make sure the model you decide on is made from durable, FSC wood. Hinged sections that contain the actual camera allows quick access and resetting without disturbing nesting birds. Straight forward focusing and integral infrared lights enables a nest box camera to record highly detailed, high standard footage by day and also by night. When the nesting season is finished it should be possible to detach the camera from the nest box and make use of it for viewing other animals in your garden. The majority of nest box cameras feature adjustable entrance hole sizes that allows you to draw in many types of birds. You should make sure your nest box camera set up comes complete with a lengthy extension cable, a minimum of thirty metres, as well as a scart adaptor which will allow you to plug your camera directly into the tv set or recorder.



Needless to say you must ensure your nesting box attracts some lodgers, so give consideration to the intended location of the box. The bird box must be put at least two metres off the ground. A wall or simply a tree is alright, but ideally in a quiet section of the garden and situated away from bird feeders and possible predators - ensure that they aren't accessible to cats. If at all possible site your box with the opening between north and east. This provides some protection from the worst of the weather conditions and stops the box and your tenants getting too hot in warm weather conditions. Make sure you alter the opening to attract the particular species of bird visitors you would like, generally bird box cameras come with a variety of access options. Do not forget practical factors, how long is the cable for example? Where is there an appropriate point in the house wall to feed a cable through? If you bear these tips in mind you should enjoy happy bird watching for very many years to come.

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Cardboard House

Now you know us snails are terribly fond of our little houses, so much so that we never go anywhere without them.  We pity all shell-less speciess naturally, but at least human children can have fun with a cardboard house.

I thoroughly approve of toys like this, no nasty polluting plastics which really upset us snails. 

Horrible plastic toys that have seen better days tend to be a permanent fixture at the tip. To tell the truth we acquire far too many toys for our kids each and every year nevertheless we scarcely give a second thought to their impact on the environment or just how they will be disposed of the moment they no longer entertain.

A cardboard play house is produced from recycled and eco-friendly cardboard. And after your little ones have outgrown them they may be put in the compost bin because they are bio-degradable – cardboard playhouses will not persist in the environment unlike plastic playhouses. As they are light-weight and flat pack they furthermore reduce demands upon transportation.

Most parents find that their children’s toys are taking over the home, and storage space is a concern for the majority of people. Cardboard houses which are light-weight and flatpack are straightforward to move and store. This also means this is the type of toy that you can store in the bottom of the car boot with hardly any impact on space available for other essentials. Why not take one in the trunk for the holidays, it will prove an appealing activity that can be used outdoors in sunny weather or indoors as a diversion in rainy weather.

Cardboard play houses are available in an assortment of styles, including, a space rocket, a shed, a castle or a tepee and not surprisingly a house – each and every child should find something alluring in this alluring range.

You just know little children are going to be thrilled by cardboard houses and will cherish the endless possibilities of shaping their very own games. The cardboard play house promotes ingenuity and imagination. Cardboard play houses are left bare so as that youngsters can create their own designs instead of having grown-up aesthetics pushed upon them. Youngsters can apply various craft materials to adorn their cardboard house including felt-tips, crayons, paints and stickers. And when they are satisfied with their creation it is time to indulge their flights of fancy in role-play. Who will these children be today and where will they go?

Perhaps they might like to pretend they are snails!

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Garden Shredder

Just a word of warning, never, ever by accident put a snail down the feeding chute of your garden shredder. Other than that they get the OK from me, nothing like a nice little patch of woodchip to burrow down into, nice place to lay some eggs I should think.

The right garden shredder is a tremendously practical piece of kit to have in the garden shed. They can scale down waste matter to a manageable form and can equip the gardener to clean up and clear waste materials away whilst reducing the need to light bonfires or make never ending outings to a recycling centre with garden waste. But the truth is, the serious appeal of the garden shredder is what it will let you make with this garden refuse. The chipped waste can be an extremely useful addition to your compost bin, adding carbon dense bulk you will find hard to source in significant enough amounts elsewhere, and there is no such thing as sufficient home made compost! The chips can be utilized to make trails around the vegetable garden or plot. Also you can use the shredded prunnings as a general mulch to retain moisture and to protect soil from wind and rain on the actual flower and veg beds, but unless the plants are ericaceous, do just set the prunnings apart for three or four weeks to facilitate any acidity to leach away prior to application. You can also set your shredder to shred those stubborn sprout and cabbage stalks that never break down in the compost heap. There are actually 2 models of garden shredder on the market.




Rapid garden shredders, sometimes termed an impact garden shredder, are light weight and probably the lower priced option. Rapid shredders operate using a revolving metal disc, this can make them quite noisy to work with, putting on ear-defenders is certainly a good idea if go for this model. It is likely that at some time you will find yourself having to buy a replacement blade, for that reason getting a model from a reputable maker is advised to make sure that spares continue to be available. Impact garden shredders are best suited for smaller prunnings and leafy materials. If the majority of your waste comes from the hedge trimmer it follows that this is probably the perfect kind of garden shredder for your needs.



Quiet garden shredders, as the name hints, are much quieter as opposed to impact shredders. These actually pulverise branches by just pulling it in using a cog which in turn grinds against a tough metal plate. Quiet shredders are generally more powerful and sturdy and are undoubtedly more highly-priced, on the other hand it is rare to have to replace parts on the grounds that there are no blades to ruin. Quiet shredders are better suited to thicker, woody trimmings and are capable of shredding branches up to a thickness of 4.5cm. A great many come with collection boxes and offer a helpful self-feed function. If you regularly pollard or coppice larger shrubs and trees then this shredder is almost certainly the more suitable kind of shredder for your needs.



As with all gardening equipment, it is important to observe various straightforward safety protocols whenever you use a garden shredder. Never fail to make certain you've got on a pair of long lasting heavy-duty leather gloves and naturally do not stick your hand down the neck of the feeder. (ouch!) If you are using an impact shredder you ought to use ear-defenders to protect your ability to hear, then again this can be a good idea with both types of shredder to prevent flying debris lodging itself in your ears. For the same reason, you must always wear safety eye-goggles. Remember that old, brittle wood is more inclined to fly consequently make an effort to shred garden refuse at the earliest opportunity after cutting. It is often less dangerous to put the stout end of branches through the machine first of all. Be certain that gravel and other obstructions don’t find their way into your shredder.

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A hand mower

I've got to admit from my perspective there is nothing so terrifying as a lawn mower heading your way.  You don't stand a chance, especially against those ride-on monsters.  Of course if you were using a hand mower I might just manage to slide out of the way in time, so they get the thumbs up from me!

Battling with cumbersome petrol lawn-mowers or electric mowers can turn cutting the lawn into a loathsome chore. You need to be fairly big and strong to push powered models comfortably. For many, particularly the older gardener or those of us who just aren't Hercules, simply man-handling the lawnmower from the garden shed is difficult enough in itself. Most people find it irritating to have to thread cables through kitchen windows to plug the lawn mower in. Many people with petrol machines often complain that it is really difficult to get them up and running on the first go, and every time the mower stalls it is extremely annoying. A push reel hand mower gets around most of these problems. Hand mowers are lightweight, normally no more substantial than a stroller, so even the frail can manoeuvre them without any difficulty. Nor do they take much space in the shed. There are not any difficulties with plugging them in or getting them going and you may be confident that you will not mow through the cable.


A hand mower is the greenest choice for any eco-friendly organic gardener. Powered models give rise to a shocking quantity of carbon emissions – far better to get a really good breakfast and set the calories to a superior use! And on a bright day while you've got the laundry hanging upon the washing line in the fresh air, you don’t have to be concerned over offensive smelly fumes spoiling it. A hand mower also eliminates noise pollution since many new designs are incredibly quiet to use; you can't annoy the neighbours, rouse the baby or send birds to seek refuge. You have the ability to go softly about your job, taking pleasure in your garden, benefitting from the fact that you will be working harmoniously with mother nature.

A push hand mower is very good value for your money. Without doubt you are going to save money on fuel expenditure,but in addition a modern day hand mower is considerably cheaper to pay for as compared to its powered alternatives. And hand-mower is made to survive a life-time. Modern day design for instance, sealed ball-bearings and flame-hardened steel with protective finishes, ensure that not merely glide with ease across the grass but also that servicing is rarely needed and simple to carry out, you will never have to oil your lawn mower. Nor will you be forking out for continual repairs, to be honest, when the product is this straightforward generally there is virtually nothing that can go wrong. A great many gardeners discover they get the lawn mown quite a bit quicker by using a hand mower. And - let's not forget - time is a treasured asset in the modern world - maybe you might have a little extra to relax in the garden.

In contrast to clumsy electric or petrol lawn mowers, a hand mower will allow a incredibly good neat cut. The contact-free cutting action makes it hassle-free for anyone to push but in addition means that blades are more or less, infinitely versatile – delivering a cutting height any where from fourteen millimetres to 45mm. The better cut also means that grass regains strength immediately and are healthier, leaving them more drought resistant. If you use a hand mower the lawn will seem healthy and verdant. And a little workout will not do you any harm either.

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Wooden Compost Bin

Apparently the best place for a slugs and snails in the garden is a compost bin.  Nice and warm and cosy I must say.  You feed me lots of nice green waste to munch my way through and me and my fellow decomposers (micro-organisms, fungi and assorted insects - you can tell a snail by his friends) will get on with the job of helping it all to rot.  Which is just what you want of course.  Free, crumbly compost to enrich your soil and improve it's structure.

Well, what do you need besides a friendly and willing snail?  You need a wooden compost bin.  In fact two or three wooden compost bins would be even better, then you can really get into the swing of turning and aerating and while you're waiting for one compost heap to cook you can start adding waste to another.  Perfect.  Make sure your wooden compost bin is sourced from sustainable forests and woodlands though won't you, we don't want to be reckless with this beautiful planet.



Now you got to add stuff.  I like the odd outer lettuce leaf if you don't mind, but all sorts of kitchen and garden waste can be added to your bin.  Try to aim for a mix of green and brown waste.  Green waste consists of kitchen peelings, annual weeds, nettles and comfrey (no roots whatsoever though you get it?) seaweed and sappy hedge prunings.  Brown waste consists of cardboard, shredded paper, egg boxes, straw, woody prunings and fallen, dried leaves.

Now make sure you mix it all up thoroughly and give it all a good turn every so often.  All you have to do is sit and wait while me and my mates get on with the hard work!

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Silk Filled Duvet

Now personally, I don't think you can find anything nicer to sleep in than a nice cosy shell.  But you poor humans don't have that option do you?  How about a nice silk filled duvet?  There are many health benefits and it cuts down on chemical use, something I always approve of!  Find out more:

It is practically impossible to say precisely when the manufacturing of silk began, although there is evidence of silk manufacturing or ‘sericulture’ as it is termed, occurring 7000 years ago. The Chinese fervently guarded the techniques of silk production for millenia. It was a capital offence to undertake to smuggle silk or reveal the secrets and techniques of its manufacture beyond the borders of China. It was probably inevitable that the secrets and techniques of silk production would be desseminated around the globe eventually and now the splendid luxuries afforded by silk can certainly be enjoyed by all. The remarkable organic properties of silk coupled with modern day innovative silk duvet production processes creates a duvet that truly will change night time sleep. In the course of the development process layers of long fibre mulberry silk floss will be gently placed one on top of the other to create the strong but soft and sensuous filling. This delicate technique is repeated until finally the desired weight is reached. A silk filled duvet is the epitome of comfort at night. The structure of long-strand silk fibres mean a silk duvet is as snug but noticeably less heavy than standard duvets. A silk duvet lightly drops over your body rather than "imprisoning" you with the bulk of a ordinary duvet. As soon as people have felt the gentleness and complete luxury of a silk duvet it's very difficult to contemplate using anything else.




Silk is actually a natural protein and for this reason is less hospitable to dustmites which unfortunately lead to allergic reactions like eczema, asthma or rhinitis. As many as 20, 000 dustmites have been found in only one mattress. Making the bed with silk bedding and silk filled duvets significantly decreases the number of dust mites in the bedroom, compared with down, feather and polyester . Dust mite droppings contain enzymes which, rather unpleasantly, the dust mites have used to digest skin particles. These enzymes, possibly through inhalation or skin contact may trigger or worsen asthma and other related allergies. Silk posseses an amazing capacity to enable your skin to reabsorb moisture through the naturally occurring proteins within silk, though without making you feel sticky or unpleasantly wet. Absorbing moisture that has been lost in the day will aid in re-energizing your skin throughout the night. This is very valuable to people with dry skin and ailments such as post-chemotherapy sensitivity, psoriasis, shingles, eczema and even sunburn.



Silk can markedly enhance the quality and comfort of sleeping. As well as preventing asthma triggered by dust mites, it is furthermore advantageous to those troubled with osteo-athritic conditions. Silk duvets being soft and light-weight create less pressure this, particularly when coupled along with tightly woven silk sheets, facilitates easier movement and less resistance. Regular duvets and quilts do not drape over our bodies but tend to form a heavy barrier with pressure points that might cause pain and irritation to vulnerable joints. Silk filled duvets deliver relief for lots of skin conditions because they drape over your body getting rid of single spots of tension that might otherwise irritate existing skin problems. The many benefits don't just stop there. Silk, in contrast to cotton that retains moisture underneath bedsheets causing clamminess, wicks excessive moisture away from the skin. This is advantageous to those people experiencing excessive sweating, night sweats, the symptoms of menopause and sometimes light incontinence, delivering a better night’s sleep.



Silk production, the silk duvet manufacturing process and continued care is free of chemicals. The lack of chemcials, when partnered with silk’s natural bacteria repelling attributes and dust-mite resistance makes the silk filled duvet the perfect choice for those who care about their wellbeing and the overall health of the environment. Production starts with mulberry trees - the food source of the silk moth larvae. This is a trouble free crop to grow, hardly ever requiring the use of pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. Chemical usage is minimal, except in cases where there is unnecessary use of inorganic dyes, and this definitely isn't the situation with silk filled duvets. Silk manufacture and processing has a fairly light impact on the natural environment. Silk filled duvets are naturally anti-bacterial and don't need cleaning in the same way as conventional duvets. (You certainly won't miss trying to stuff bulky duvets into a washing machine drum!) Silk duvets just need ’sun curing’ in other words hang them on the line out to air twice a year, a fine day in Springtime or a sunny Autumnal afternoon. Now that is eco-cleaning at its best!

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Organic Baby Clothes

Now I'm pretty certain I've mentioned this to you lot before, but in case you weren't listening I'd like to repeat the arguments in favour of buying organic and fair trade clothing.  And let's do it right from the beginning, starting with the people who are going to inherit the world you leave behind.  Buy organic baby clothes for the sake of all children.

It's quite possible that the vast majority of adults alive today probably won't ever fully know the far reaching consequences of global warming and the unsustainable way in which we've over-exploited the earth's natural resources. Yet unfortunately the children of today will realize just how unthinking and greedy we have been all along. Exactly what can we tell them? There are numerous useful things we could implement to minimise detrimental impacts on the planet right now. Purchasing organic clothes for ourselves and our little ones is a sensible solution. Organic and natural clothes are processed with hardly any chemical compounds and with the minimum of toxic effects on the natural environment. When buying natural and organic baby clothes you are helping environmentally friendly goals. When you buy organic clothes you minimize the environmental impact. By greening your little one's clothes, you're able to feel good about what they’re wearing because you're also contributing to a healthier future for all. The last thing any parent or guardian wants is for their children to scorn them. All children without exception are owed a sustainable future.

Everybody wants the best for their babies. The incredible softness that comes with organic baby clothes most certainly shows you are giving your newborn baby the best and gentlest beginning in life. Organically produced cotton is highly durable and it's very breathable, as opposed to synthetics that will pill, produce static electricity, and lock in perspiration. It is safer, more durable, and cost effective and it feels fab! Organic clothing might be costlier when people first purchase it, but when compared to cheaper baby clothing you soon realise it is real value for money. Traditionally produced cotton material lasts ten to twenty wash cycles before the cloth begins to deteriorate. Organic and natural cotton fabric holds up for one hundred washes or even more before it begins to wear down, and think of how much washing babies' clothes demand! This is due to the cotton fibres in conventionally manufactured clothes get a fair bit of abuse while in the manufacturing process because they are subjected to dying, bleaching, softening agents, scouring, formaldehyde treatment, and soil and flame retardants and all that before it is shipped to be cut for patterns. Searching for a pure and natural home is a crucial decision for an increasing number of parents. With children exposed to toxins in many aspects of daily life, opting for organic baby clothes is a further step towards non-chemical living, both for our sensitive babies, not to mention our precious planet.

Why subject our children to substances like formaldehyde which is commonly applied to ‘finish’ conventional cotton clothes? Do you know that a baby's skin is far more porous and thinner than adults? That means that a baby's skin absorbs chemicals very easily. Each organic fiber t-shirt purchased minimizes the use of energy intensive agricultural chemicals, almost as much as 150g per piece. It takes approximately 1 lb of chemcial fertilzer and pesticide to cultivate three pounds of ordinary cotton, while organic cotton is grown without any unnecessary chemical use. Licensed organic cotton is cotton grown without the employment of noxious pesticides, herbicides or man-made fertilisers. It is also free of formaldehyde finishes. Non-organic cotton clothing is generally portrayed as natural, nonetheless it is highly cultivated and processed which pollutes groundwater and eventually drinking water, polluting the food chain. It also depletes the nutrients in the soil.

The very fact that organic and natural fabrics have been produced with with the minimum of chemicals implies that work conditions are consequently better and safer for employees and that local communities won't have to put up with contaminated water sources. Wafting chemicals present a very serious menace to the wellbeing of people living in cotton producing areas. Fortunately, plenty of organic clothes suppliers go further than this and strive to offer not simply organic, but also fairly sourced clothing. You should make sure that not merely do you buy organic baby clothes but ensure as well that they have been ethically sourced carrying accreditation from organisations for example the Fair Trade Foundation. These agencies sustain communities and will allow them to break free from poverty and limited life chances. We should be satisfied that when we buy something as special as organic cotton for our young children we are also aiding poor children and their families all around the world.

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Rainwater Tank

So at last, you people are beginning to recognize the importance of water.  No more splasing it about willy-nilly I hope.  As I'm sure you gardeners have noticed, we gastropods appreciate a little precipitation.  After reading this I hope you will be rushing out to buy a rainwater tank.

Water must be our most valued resource. However, it is becoming more and more scarce. Fresh water is a renewable resource, yet the world's supply of unpolluted, fresh water is steadily lessening. Whilst we seem to have an enormous water supply, ninety-seven percent of the billion plus cubic kilometres of water on earth is salt water in the sea. Nearly all of of the remaining three percent will be permanently encapsulated in ice at the North and South poles. Now this signifies merely a tiny fraction of the planet's water resources are useful as fresh water. This available water flows in a perpetual cycle through evaporation and rain. There are problems with the quality of drinking water as escalating water pollution caused by nitrates, phosphates, pesticides and further damaging chemicals is making purification very challenging and costly. Water demand already exceeds availability in numerous parts of the world and as the world's population continues to rise, so also does the demand for water. Recognition of the worldwide importance of preserving water for environment services has only just emerged. This is because through the 20th century, approximately 50 percent of the earth's wetlands have already been depleted along with their beneficial environmental services. Freshwater ecosystems,with their rich bio-diversity, are at present declining faster than sea or land ecosystems. Conserving water and making most beneficial use of it is these days a consideration for people all over the earth. Thankfully, we've all become more focused on rainwater harvesting and rainwater tanks.

Even before the Roman times, the process of capturing rain and keeping it for when needed is extensively recorded and took place all over the world on all the major continents. In Western countries, until fairly recently, the principle of rainwater collection had essentially died away due to the introduction of efficient mains-supplied water. With the ever-growing demand for water (and subsequent increases in cost), and the recognised unfavorable influences this may have on localized environments, the demand for rainwater recycling solutions is on the increase. Across the world water conservation systems are being employed and made to overcome water supply challenges. There are particular water demand, supply and disposal problems confronting water companies, developers and homeowners as well that might present considerable short and long-term challenges for the future. Rainwater Harvesting can be practiced to help minimize these challenges. Surface water, or a large body of excess water to be disposed speedily, is already triggering flooding of unparalleled levels, not before observed. A little-known fact is that for every 10% of an area that is developed, surface water runoff rises by 50%. As a result making provision to collect and use substantive volumes of water each day on brand new developments would render storm water beneficial instead of problematic.. As yet in Britain this market is yet to be developed. In the meantime, households can certainly do much to conserve water consumption and might also harvest rainwater on a limited but useful scale.

It is estimated that 8% of world wide water usage is for household requirements. Theserequirements encompass drinking water, washing, cooking, sanitation, and for watering gardens.. Basic domestic water requirements have been calculated at around 50 ltrs per person per day, not including water for gardens. Drinking water is water that is of sufficiently good quality so that it can be consumed or used without the chance of immediate or longterm harm. Such water is commonly termed potable water. In the majority of Western industrialized countries, the water delivered to homes, the business sector and industry is all of drinking water quality even if only a very modest quantity is in actual fact drank or used in food preparation. The following are a few pointers to help conserve water: place a water displacement gizmo into your toilet cistern (a brick or filled milk carton will do!) and when replacing old toilets be sure that your new throne is water efficient. Make sure to fix dripping taps and lag external pipes to avoid bursts and leaks. Get under the showerin preference to a bath. Never keep the tap running while you are brushing your teeth. In the garden start using a watering can in place of a hose-pipe and don't be tempted to use a sprinkler. Water plants and flowers early on in the morning or later at night to prevent water loss due to evaporation and in warmer summer months let your lawns grow longer as it maintains moisture content more effectively this way, don't worry if it seems brown, your lawn will grow afresh as soon as favourable conditions return, as without a doubt is the story with most plants. Practice a little benign neglect in the garden and do not water too frequently, bushes and perenials will put down deeper roots and be healthier plants if you leave them fend for themselves. Use greywater (e.g. washing up water) to water inedible plants. And purchase a rainwater tank, big is beautiful here.

A barrel of water does not last long during a rainless spring when you are hoping to establish vulnerable seedlings. Buying a much larger rainwater tank is a smart plan if you've got the room. Don't forget when ordering rainwater tanks that you might need a diverter kit, try to look for types that feature these integrated in the price tag. Diverter kits will send water to your tank, but as soon as the tank is full the water can be redirected back down the drainpipe and into drains. Taps are another option to check for,very helpful without a doubt, but don't forget to note the placement of taps - do you have to bend down too far, can you position a watering can below it? Filters are one more neat feature to look out for and can be fitted to gutters and drainpipes to keep debris such as leaf mould from contaminating the water supply. Place water butts and rainwater tanks in numerous parts of the garden. It is always beneficial if you can locate them nearest to those spots that need careful watering, for instance the veg patch. Naturally more substantial rainwater tanks should be situated by drainpipes that collect water from the largest roof surface area. You might discover smaller butts are more suitable for sheds and outbuildings. Happy harvesting and don't forget every drop counts!

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Organic Sun Lotion

Ok you lot, let's talk sun sense!  None of this slathering nasty chemicals all over yourselves, you'd complain if you had to live next to the factory that produced them and then you go and fill your homes and cover your bodies in them.  Organic sun lotion is the way to go and here is why, alternatively make like a snail and stay inside your shells when the rays hit the ground! 

Some individuals, primarily small children or individuals with hypersensitive complexions, have problems with awful skin rashes caused by applying ordinary sun products. This is because regular sun block creams will definitely be filled with unpleasant chemical substances, many of which clog up pores. Doing this stops effective perspiration that will result in prickly heat rash. This really does not feel good, neither will it be a cool look. Natural sun creams permit proper sweating and so are for this reason less likely to produce undesirable skin reactions. The chemical substances utilized to filter sunlight in ordinary sun creams basically absorb sunshine and scorching heat from the sun, as opposed to allowing the skin to do so. This is useful for preventing burning from the sun and skin damage but the chemicals will be then converted to free-radicals via the action of heat on the skin. These in turn can contribute to premature aging as well as skin impairment. In contrast organic sun products employ naturally occurring minerals to prevent sun-damage and in addition commonly incorporate skin calming anti-oxidants such as green tea extracts which actually protect against free-radical damage. If this is not a good enough reason to purchase an certified organic sun lotion think about the influence traditional sun lotions can have on vitamin D absorption. More and more health conscious people are aware of the wonderful positive effects of this nutrient, it's critical to our well being and I'm glad to report that with an organic and natural sun lotion we will still defend ourselves from the unhealthy effects of the sun whilst not limiting our facility to soak up beneficial Vitamin D from the sun's light.

Organic sun creams are equally as efficient as conventional high SPF factor sun blocks. In point of fact in the latest EU guidelines the employment of the term sun block has been stopped, partly because they only offer you a fraction more protection than the usual lower SPF factor product but additionally simply because consumers are inclined to become too dependent on them. Most people think because they have covered their bodies in something named as sun block that no harm at all is taking place and consequently forget to adhere to other sun safety advice, which includes frequent re-application, sensible clothes and keeping out from the sunlight throughout the hottest part of the day. Most buyers have found that after trying natural and organic sun creams they are able to bronze easily and safely without the peel and burn encountered when you use regular lotions. The usage of naturally sourced minerals in natural and organic sun creams for instance titanium dioxide or cinnamon leaf extract inhibit the harmful effects of the sun's rays, are usually water resistant, and are just as efficacious as high SPF factor lotions and creams.

Certified organic sun care products really are pleasant to use and apply to the skin. The use of organic essential oils as opposed to synthetic fragrances, ensure that they without exception smell heavenly in contrast to typical sun lotions. They don't ‘sit’ on skin but blend in wonderfully and so are very easily absorbed. Those who have encountered the tackiness of high factor sun lotions and creams will undoubtedly appreciate this. Natural and organic sun products although not enormously higher priced than leading conventional makes will seem like a high-end product in contrast. If you have ever suffered from getting sun cream in your eyes you'll certainly be pleasantly impressed by the organic version which will not drip into eyes and cause watering. The main point here is; organic sun creams are simply so much nicer to apply. Shouldn't we be generous to ourselves and give our skin the care it deserves?

Organic and natural sun lotions and creams are eco-friendly aswell as people friendly. They are sea-life friendly and biodegradable. Picture the greasy slick and chemical residue left by regular sun lotion! If you are in the ocean or having a wash after (and let’s be truthful many people’s very first impulse after a day in the hot weather is to wash the cream off their skin) these chemicals find their way in to the water system. A number of chemical compounds in typical sun care products are oestrogen mimickers and may have an impact on the sperm count of our wild life and lead to reproductive problems in species of fish and ocean mammals. A number of these animals already are dwindling in numbers; incapacity to reproduce with success will be catastrophic for them. These types of chemical substances are quickly absorbedinto breast milk which causes the effects to be amplified throughout mammal species. Before smothering your body from top to toe in nasty chemicals, think about the way they were made and also just where they could end up.  Right I'm done, now for a cosy curl up in my shell until nightfall when I'll be out and about and nibbling your salad!

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Patio Fire Pit Table

Get a stylish Patio Fire Pit Table

I'm very fond of patios. Especially if they have lots of lovely pots of hostas on them, you can't beat it, food and shelter all in one. I have observed you humans are very fond of them too, you get all excited about cool wine and cocktails on warm summer's evenings and go on about the 'outdoor living space' - it is so much more to you than somewhere to grow yummy plants. It is the extension of your interior style and you like showing it off to your guests when you entertain. However as the evening chill progresses or as fall approaches, well it's plain to see - you are a tender lot of petals really. You wimp out and want to go indoors, you just don't have the tough shell (like mine) to enjoy your garden twenty-four hours of the day.

However, there is an affordable solution to all of this. A stylish, elegant and space-saving solution. How about a patio fire pit table? Two otherwise bulky and expensive garden items combined into one. How nice would it be if as the night chill approaches, instead of heading indoors with your glass of wine you could just light a little fire right in the center of the table your glass is resting on? Imagine the warmth and flickering light playing across your garden and your guests' smiling faces. A patio table with a fire pit is the answer. They offer great versatility also. A fire pit can never really be anything more than a fire pit, but a patio fire pit table can be used in different ways. You could for example fill the fire pit with ice on really warm evenings and use it as a wine bottle chiller. You could arrange flowers as a table center piece or even stick a pot plant in there. (Remember I like hostas best!)

Oh yes, you poor shell-less humans could be spending more time in the garden like me. Good ideas and stylish design have never been so well combined. A patio table with fire pit is the affordable, space saving answer. Now how about that pot with the hostas?

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Slug Deterrent

I'm lost for words. Which is unusual, mostly I'm just lost. It's like a jungle down here man, you ought to see a dandelion from my perspective. Anyway, why am I lost for words? Those guys at The Sustainable Living Project are talking about slug deterrents. And believe me what upsets a slug also upsets me. We are brothers of the bellyfoot tribe and we are not impressed by humans trying to eliminate us.

You seem to think it is alright if you get someone else to do your dirty work for you. Ooh, make your garden toad and frog friendly you say. Invite a few hedgehogs. A family of shrews is always good for upsetting the gastropod neighbours. But nothing is quite so scary to us as those dastardly nematodes. You know what they do? They creep inside you, release deadly bacteria so that we can't eat and eventually starve to death and then when they've done breeding inside us (yes you heard right they use our insides as nematode nurseries) they burst out to attack yet more innocent and unsuspecting gastropods.

Bring back the beer traps. Believe me, we much prefer to go that way. And look, I'm sure we can talk about this sensibly. Never heard of negotiation? A lettuce for me, a lettuce for you (ok I might nibble yours a bit), another lettuce for me and another and another and another! I've no idea why humans have got it in for us?

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How to build a garden shed!

I like sheds, they are great places for us gastropods to hang out in. Especially when it's too hot and dry and we need somewhere cool and shady. Currently our garden doesn't have a shed and I have to make do with what arrangements are available - mostly pots and dry stone walls. Thankfully the humans are intending to do something about this, they have plans! Anyone would think they were about to embark on a pyramid the way they go on, but bless them - they are just inexperienced.

Having hung around quite a few gardens for a good many years I like to think I know a thing or two. Provided you don't kill us with your chemicals we have a reasonable life-span! Here are some pointers I think the humans should consider:

This is not one for Billy-No-Mates! It takes two humans to construct a shed, make sure you call in back up!

Think very carefully about where you are going to site your shed, not on top of underground wiring and cables for example. Make sure you can access your shed from all sides and think about the position of doors and windows.

The floor of your shed should be elevated on runners, to keep it clear of excess water. It also makes a great hidey-hole for gastropods and overwintering inseccts. It's a good idea to treat the bottom of the floor with wood preservative before starting construction. (Keep it eco-friendly though, no nasty chemicals please!)

Hard standing will be necessary for your shed if you want it straight and you want it to last. Make sure this is absolutely level!

Always start with the back gable and a plain wall, the window and door sides should come last.

Felting for the roof should be laid horizontally along the bottom edge first. You repeat on the other side and then finish with a piece in the middle that evenly overlaps the other strips. Secure with tacks all along to prevent lifting.

Okay humans, over to you, I'm looking forward to your efforts at building a garden shed and moving in with all my mates here at the Sustainable Living Project.

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SLS Free Shampoos

Now, I've talked about being nice to gastropods. I've talked about being nice to each other ie not using each other as slave labour for cheap clothes. Now it's time to be nice to yourself! Because your worth it apparently!!!

I get really upset about excessive use of toxic chemicals, it all builds up you know. Just imagine, you put those rotten blue pellets around your hostas to stop me from having an innocent nibble, next thing you know I'm dead. But I'm also poison. Along comes a black bird, not my favourite mates admittedly, sees me looking all juicy, thinks 'dinner' to himself and next thing you know he's full of the nasty blue pellets. It's a process known as bio-accumulation. Sometimes the toxic effects grow exponentially as toxins proceed up through the food chain, this is bio-magnification -bad news if you're a whale, not so great if you're human either.

But of course, you lot aren't just throwing chemicals all over your gardens and offending me. Oh no, you bring them into your own homes everywhere. You even rub them into your scalp on a daily basis. Don't believe me? When was the last time you read the ingredients on the back of a bottle of shampoo? Did you know that SLS or sodium lauryl sulphate was an industrial degreasant? You want to clean your head with that? It can cause pitting of the skin and allows these chemicals to pass into the bloodstream. SLS has been known to cause improper eye development in infants. You might really want to think twice before your next hairwash. Or at least go and check this article out at Sustainable Living Project.

Oh dear, I think I need a nice picture of a juicy plant to cheer me up - oops, just like that pak choi above - that's better. Now go and check out the alternatives to shampoos that are laced with chemical nasties.

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Fair Trade Textiles

Wow! I told you I was slow. but hey a post a year is not bad when all you've got is a slimy foot. Anyone want to borrow my keyboard?

As you may remember I get very upset when you humans treat the world badly. What amazes me even more is you treat each other badly. What is wrong with you people? Okay, I'll tell you what I'm talking about.

Think about the T-shirt on your back, or indeed any other clothes your wearing. If they're not synthetic there's a good chance it's made from cotton. Any idea who grew that cotton? Any idea who stitched it together for you? If you bought it cheap in a supermarket I'm willing to bet the people involved in its production have had a pretty raw deal of it. You might think slavery is behind you but you're wrong, it's not in the past, it's just in another part of the world. Conveniently, you can't see it. But you are still benefitting from someone's slave labour.

Is there a better way to buy your clothes? (I accept that you can't all have beautiful shells like me.) Well yes, it's called Fairtrade. It's called paying the real price for what something is worth both in terms of human labour and protecting the environment. Learn more about Fairtrade with Goo at the Sustainable Living Project. (I think she actually has borrowed my keyboard!) and she will tell you all about Fair Trade Textiles as she celebrates fairtrade fortnight.

Now be good to each other and be kind to the world. I'll try and post a little more often, it's still a bit cold for us snails and I would like to retire to my terracotta pot for now if you don't mind.

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