What actually happened with the GPS ws that it was doing the right thing and directing me towards the Southern Expressway , the fastest way out of the Southern Suburbs. However, what it didn’t know was that that particular section of the Expressway was being upgraded and where the GPS was taking me was a construction site. Adding to the confusion was the fact that I had never been there before, had no knowledge of the area and was totally dependant on the GPS for directions. It was all very confusing but I survived, although I have to say that sometimes the GPS can be a real trial.
I hope to be able to get out to the Arid Lands Gardens sometime this week. At the weekend, I will be heading off to Adelaide again – for a Conference. I’ll be away for three days this time. That should be me until the last week in May when I will be away for a week – well almost. The conference will finish late Wednesday and I’ll stay over until Thursday. I have not been out in the garden since I came back from Adelaide, I have just had so much that was set aside for three weeks that I now have to catch up on and things that I borrowed and hired to be returned. However, I hope to get out later this morning. The area I am working on is not a big area but if it is fixed out and some nice plants will take and grow, it could look nice. Even the local garden centre admits that the soil in this area is very thin and not all that good and I rather suspect that there has been strong weed killer and possibly poison used by the previous owners. When we first bought this place and moved in I started to clear that particular area and planted roses – not one of them survived. Sixteen rose bushes, bought from different places and all died – despite feeding, watering, mulch and rose food – not a one survived, and of the six additional roses I planted out front, only three are hanging on for dear life. So given that track record, I will do this area and plant the things I get from the Arid Lands Garden and see if they survive. If not, well I hear the new season concrete is very nice this year :o)
When I finally moved the dogs I covered the whole area with two bags of organic soil improver, dug that in and then used a wetting agent and watered the whole area. I think I have given it a fair chance, so, now all I need is some plants and a bit of cooperation from the dogs. Mind you, I tried to avoid anything that even had a whiff of Blood and Bone to keep the dogs from digging. We will see how things go.These nasty spiky things are growing outside. I have no idea what they are but I don’t like them and I think they could injure the dogs.
Edgar's Page 
Your creature appears to be a withered aloe species. What ever he is, he isn’t getting enough water. Water him, make him happy, then sell pups bareroot on e-bay. You will learn to love them for the income!
As far as dogs and new soil… keep in mind the mixes have manuers in them. May as well hang a sign telling the kids it is prime rolling area! Blood and bone meals usually shouldn’t attract dogs, but manuer will every time.
Have you tried skipping all the amendments and just planting in the soil you have? Sometimes plants will do fine once planted, but when they have to move out into the native soil – that’s when they die. In areas with nasty soil, start with smaller plants – they are more likely to adapt than larger ones that have been raised in captivity longer.
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