GETTING LAID IN THE GARDEN OF ANXIETY

As Summer draws to a close and the good weather could be coming to an end, the weekend work effort has switched to completing jobs in the Garden of Anxiety.  The new sturdy garden gate has arrived and needs to be painted and hung.  But before then, the last of the sandstone paving in the small area at the gate entrance needs to be laid.   The remains of the original, old concrete path have now disappeared and was the determining factor in introducing another step - as the old concrete is beneath it.

Laying the slabs

Old concrete becomes another step.

Almost complete

Frontal view.

Just four slabs left to be laid and a little concrete work to tidy up and the garden entrance will be complete.  Everything is ready for the new gate: A push button digital lock with key override; 3 x 18 inch gate hinges and a custom built gate with tenon joints to prevent sagging.  All that's needed now are a few more dry weekends.

Once these jobs are done, this should complete the hard landscaping and with much relief!  Most of the planting is in place now.  The beauty of creating a Mediterranean style patio garden is the future low maintenance.  Rather than spending my Summers mowing the lawn with regularity, I hope to be out there instead with a good book and a nice glass of wine.  An annual prune of the plants and a heavy duty clean of the patio & furniture should be all that is required.  The other advantage of paving is that you can use your garden during those wet winters without having to wade through a muddy lawn.

A big shout to my sister for gifting me this striking Cardoon which has finally bloomed.

 

This last photo was also taken with her in mind as she loves all things cow.  Moo recycling bins spotted close to Lewisham shopping centre.  What a great way into introduce something reminiscent of the country in an urban town centre.