We decided two years ago (when our remaining cat died) that we would develop a garden that was friendly to wild-life (birds, butterflies, hedgehogs, frogs, toads - we don't run to the large animal range of wild-life in the UK that some of you may still have in the US).

First to go was the lawn. We decided which areas we wanted to keep paved for outdoor relaxing/entertaining and then we re-landscaped the rest so that there would be a different type of view in front of the house and out the back. That way, whether inside or outside there was a good chance of seeing our wild visitors. It 's amazing just how territorial birds are.

The rewards have been great. And no more lawn-mowing, plus a drought-resistant garden so our water bills have gone down too. This year we're starting to redevelop down one side of the house.

Only (slight) problem at the moment are the neighbours two cats which are thrilled to have a hunting-ground right by them!