No Lettuce Yet, and Other Garden News

Above, our early-spring solution to the problem of poo. Yes, poo.

The dogs make a lot of it. And we'd prefer (you understand) that when Iain go out to play in his sandbox he not have to dodge piles of steaming doggie mess. But how to keep them out?

Our answer came from IKEA, of course. It's only for now, until we can get a little gate up. But it's about 20 inches high, and with some small box or coniferous shrubs they'll be cute. They prevent doggie incursions so that area is clearing up nicely. We purchased an umbrella for when the weather warms (any minute! Friday is forecast for high 60s) so we can sit outside while Iain plays.

But what you really want to know is: lettuce? Not yet. Kate assures me that I need only wait but I prefer the "watched pot" method. That's where I check the beds every time I get into or out of my car. So far, it's not working.

Excuse me, I have to go nibble some toes.

[EDIT: Charles informs me that Boris has already jumped the planters. I will fill them with plants and see what happens then. Boo. Hiss.]