Allotments 4 All

Could do a bit of "Tree Hugging" whilst there too ::)

Ooo, some good ideas coming up, we are going to be spoilt for choice.  Didn't think about the premium bonds. I got a fivers worth when I was born and about 15 years ago, I won £50.  I have just brought some more and some for the urchins.

The tree planting is a good idea also.  I now have quite a selection of small trees and shrubs that have been planted in memory of someone, even the dog, so to plant a tree in Alex's honour would be a lovely idea.

Something daughter is desperate to do is adopt a dog or a dolphin from one of those ads on the tv.  HAs anyone done that?  Or what about adopting an animal at their local zoo?

EJ, I think only parents and grandparents are allowed to buy Premium Bonds on behalf of a child, so you would have to settle for giving them the money and a form.

Just a thought about premium bonds...ok if there is only one child but could be tricky if one chid wins the jackpot, not sure that it could be shared out with siblings on a child's behalf??

Hmmm, adopting animals for kids. Potentially disasterous depending upon the child, though presumeably no worse than pets...

A couple of christmases back we adopted and otter for OH's mother. The otter sanctuary allowed you a choice of animals needing sponsorship so we duly chose an "old retired otter" in keeping with the person for whom it was being adopted (I'm not being mean here - she was dead pleased at the choice). However, being a fairly old otter, it died within the year - honestly it's worse than house plants!   ;D

 ;D ;D ;D @ trojan!!

I'm for the tree... a black Mulberry... slow to fruit but live almost forever.. just bought one for OH's colleague's 50th.... could have done with a head start!
;D

Chilean wine palm! really slow grower :D

Back on the 'adoption' idea EJ -- here's something that won't die within the year ...

http://adoptabook.bl.uk/

In fact, I like this idea so much I think I'm going to divert some of my wheelbarrow fund to adopting one myself.
Wonder whether the British Library has any venerable gardening books in need of an adoptive parent?  :)

Thank you for all the great ideas.  The old fella and I are going to sit down at the weekend and look at the list and try to come to an agreed decision.  I will let you know the outcome. ;D

Just a thought about a tree.  Are they likely to move house?!!!!

Maybe one day down the line..... I thought I would look into a local to them, tree planting scheme - if there is such a thing, where a new wood area or park was being planted and have a tree there.....or I suppose I could give him a bonsai..... 8)

we've just been given a card from a friend and his wife, dedicating a tree from the woodland trust, okay, it was for our little dog but I don't think it's just for animals, anyway, the website is  www.woodland-trust.org.uk/rrr
ours is in Longacre wood in cheshire hope this helps   :)