I not only managed to acquire a cutlass today (to keep out the Ruffians), but I also bought all the remaining Tower of Sour blocks, meaning that (along with my Cunning Wall of Blocking Ability that keeps Pester out) no nasties can enter my garden. Finally, the game can begin properly!
So I bred Buzzlegums, so I could get the Master Romancer award for it, but also so I could entice S’morepians into the garden to eat them. I managed one! I also went for a Camello, but I need a coffee pot and for that I need an acorn, and for that I need an oak tree. Thankfully, Seedos was forthcoming with an oak seed, but my tree took ages to grow. It did, however, manage to bump me up four whole levels when it finally finished growing!