Thanks chaps for kind comments. I think you are probably right, it needs a bit of weed or grass or summat. Couldn't quite make my mind up about that, but think I'll go with the consensus view!
How exactly did you make those wicker things(forgot the name again)? I could use a decent way to make them.
They are called gabions - basically, ruddy great baskets packed with earth: very good at absorbing flying bullets and even cannon balls. These are metal ones made by The Assault Group, but lots of people make them in resin as well...
Now, I swear I've seen the house in the background on ebay just a few days ago..
Yes, those buildings are by PMC Games / Sellthatstuffboy, who formerly owned Total System Scenic, but now trade exclusively through eBay. Not very detailed, but a solid, fast (and relatively cheap) source of instant villages...