The weather is improving and Spring is coming with the Equinox.
Pendle Hill is glorious.
This is the view from upstairs at the back of our house. Pendle Hill changes mood and sometimes seems very close, at other times far away. It has a mystical quality; disappearing into the mists then energizing the landscape on a sunny day.
A follow up to our last blog I made this video at the end of Day 9
Day 10 A perfect day to finish laying the Patio tiles.
We extended the area to avoid cutting tiles, so it is now 9 tiles by 10. It looks like a chessboard but will be more in keeping with the rest of the garden design once the fences are painted and the cross fence in place.
We're not allowed on it yet as it is not grouted. The fence at the back is almost completed and the roof is secure and ready.
Day 11 - The back fence is completed and the posts for the cross fence are set in.
There is a gap behind the decking for the electric cables and so we could plant things to grow up the trellis if we wish.
A cross fence is being made for the middle with a gateway to create a separation from the front part of the garden which we intend to make into a kitchen garden for growing herbs and food.
We thought an ethernet cable would be a great addition so we can work in the garden, watch a film or play music.
This is a specific cable for outdoors and about 50 metres long to allow give at both ends. We bought it from Amazon. Here's the link.
End of Day Video - The Norwegian Acer will be a beautiful addition
Day 12 - More painting and bespoke fences
Due to the lockdown situation, it has been a challenge at times to get hold of the right kind and size of materials, but Seb has been absolutely brilliant at sourcing the things we want and making sure we are getting the very best quality.
The Norwegian Acer in last night's video, took a visit to two local nurseries as we want a tree to go next to Oaky Doke that will be taller than him and not overwhelm but equally not too plain. This one, expertly sourced by Seb, will have yellow, green or red leaves depending on the season and is already 14 ft high. Springwood Garden Centre | Burnley | Lancashire
The posts and cross beams on the decking are also painted black and the fencing will be the same red as the back fence. The side fences are painted green. Our lovely neighbour has given us a contribution to the new fences and been wonderfully supportive about the work.
Here's a video from the start of this day
Day 13 The Electrics Part 1 & Grouting
We have 3 double sockets on the decking, three lights to be positioned in the roof, with a switch at the back of a post, a socket for lights around the back and oak carving and one for the fountain.
The box will be positioned in a gap behind the decking on the right so it can be covered and not particularly noticeable. All the sockets and cabling are 'armoured' especially for outdoor use. This was included in the quote for the whole job.
You can now see the red fence panels across the middle. A gateway is to be built in the remaining gap, which will match a garden mirror to be placed on the back fence, at the right side of Oaky Doke.
The patio was grouted using a black grout that will eventually fade to dark grey and match perfectly. During the night the local cats got their revenge for us blocking off their daily route, by leaving paw prints up the black fence fence posts! So they had to be painted again.
This video from mid day - you can see how hard everyone is working and it's a Saturday. From Dawn until Dusk - much appreciated. A round of Cafe Bonbons and creme eggs was well earned.
Here's a link to Seb's Facebook Page Seb Wilcock Groundwork Specialist/
On Sunday we could get on to the patio safely and do a little practise. Delighted to discover that our new tai chi form fits perfectly and the future filming and photos are going to be amazing in this space.
At the end of another week - we look forward to getting the gravel down and some plants installed. A mirror sheet and a fountain bowl are now on order - more soon.
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