Near the bottom of the garden were some plastic barrels which were sometimes used to store water for the trees. When these barrels were empty, they were turned over or laid on their side and of course the cats were quick to explore and put the barrels to good use.

With the addition of some straw, the small gap between the barrels and the wall made a perfect nest where mothers could tuck their kittens away safely.

For the cats who gravitated to the end of the garden after breakfast, the barrels were somewhere to enjoy the morning sun without getting damp from the dewy grass (something that mattered to Raven, with his longer coat).

Naturally, the elevated position of the barrels made them a prime lookout point and the subject of arguments too – here Pascha and Muffin were having one of their daily differences of opinion.

Balancing on the side of the barrels was quite an art, as sisters Sundown and Moonstruck were demonstrating while Sherpa wondered whether there was room for three.

The top of the barrels was just the right height to access the vines above, although getting down when your exit is blocked by Sherpa was proving tricky for Moonstruck.