New Garden 2022
Jezz and I decide to spend what little money we have and redo the garden. It's out with the centrepiece (that Debs always said looked like a grave - lol) and the grass area is going. The new garden will have a calming 'Zen' theme and involve a gravel area, lit by 6 Chinese lanterns, displaying a mains-powered water feature, some sleeper stone pavings as stepping stones lit by solar-powered glow balls. At the house end of the garden, all plastic pots are going and being replaced with composite decking, a fire pit and a 9ft cantilever parasol.
The Gallery of the New Garden 2022
And here are some photos of the products and the results of the labour in their various stages.
Garden Cam still image
This was taken by the garden cam sometime in July 2022, at the planning stages and before anything was done.
Harbour Slate Water Feature
We just had to get this because of the offer in Squires Garden Centre. It was £110 cheaper than in Dobbie's... but also, because we like it. It's mains powered, which means we've had to arrange for electrical power to be installed in the garden.
3m Cantilever Parasol
We first noticed an £800 parasol and could only dream of having one, but then, walking around Chessington Garden Centre, we saw this one on offer. It was the same size but just had one feature different to that of the expensive one. This was £500 cheaper.
The gravel we've chosen
Some decision-making came from Ben in the Landscaping department of Chessington Garden Centre. He said that he needed to get rid of some stock and these bags that were usually £6.99 he could sell to us for £3.50. Amazing. Again, a huge saving.
Berwyn Green Chippings
Advised by Ben, we went for these as they were a suitable colour (not white because although popular were a nightmare to keep that colour). Also, the size was ideal. We ordered 45 x 20kg bags.
Sleeper Pavings
We've got one large for the initial step and then 6 medium-sized stone slabs that look wooden.
Creating an edge at the steps
Jezz gets to work creating a trench for the edging slab that will prevent any loose gravel from migrating away onto the steps.
The step's edge
This is it, in place and complete.
Deb and Jim
Deb's drags Jim around for a measure up, as he's been nominated to carry out any installation of the decking. He did theirs in their garden, and it looks fab. We fed and watered them, and he's going to get back with some costings.
The grass is prepared and ready
Jezz distributes some more earth from the tubs and levels off the grass area in readiness for the woven membrane to be fitted.
Membrane down and in place
Early Tuesday morning, before the heatwave starts, Jezz and I get the fabric laid and pinned down, ready for the gravel the next morning.
Electricity is now in the garden
Wednesday 10 August 2022 - Busy day and first job was calling in Essy to install 2 x twin RCD power outlets
Gravel Bags Pile
They arrived and with Amanda's help and a borrow of her warehouse trolley, we wheeled through the house 45 bags of 20kg gravel bags.
Partial install
As Amanda and Wayne hump the bags from the patio area to the once lawned area, Jezz opens the bags and starts to spread the gravel over the membrane and in between the sleeper pavings.
And so...
The gravelled section of the garden starts to take shape, but it comes alive after we've added the lights.
Pink Rocks
We're still adding to the garden... these are three pink large rocks from Chessington Garden Centre.
Back wall tapestry
We've completed the back wall now with the main Japanese Moongate image and where it didn't quite reach the left hand brick post, we've added Lizz's tapestry, folded and blended into the other one to create a one-image effect. These were from cloveronline.co.uk.
Jim installs the decking base
16 October 2022 - day one of the decking installation and here's Jim laying the foundation. A wooden base levelled and fixed in place, ready for day two, decking laying.
Decking base painted
17 October 2022 - day two started with me painting the tops of the decking base black. Jim said it'll just help to not see the wood underneath, through the gaps of the decking panels.
And so...
The last decking panel is laid and it's amazing. Because of Jim's perfection with levelling the base, there is absolutely no bounce and it feels so good to walk on.
The entire garden
It's coming along well. Focus will be on the furniture now.
More lights
Jezz buys some solar-powered fairy lights that are between the plant pots - they look brilliant when it's dark.
With garden furniture looking down
Jezz has bought the two-seater sofa, table, 2 foot/storage stools and 2 armchairs. They are all made by Keter and all come with cushions, except the table.
With garden furniture looking up
Jezz has bought the two-seater sofa, table, 2 foot/storage stools and 2 armchairs. They are all made by Keter and all come with cushions, except the table.
From the bathroom window
The decking and patio area, looking down from the bathroom window, showing the garden furniture and storage in place.
A zero gravity garden recliner
Here's a hopelessly photoshop'ed photo of one of the two reclining garden chairs. They are great, really comfortable, and they were only £69 for two.
Garden Spots
This is the latest addition to the garden ambience (June 2023). They are 6 electrically powered LED lamps that glow the same colour. They are Bluetooth'ed connected to an app and completely configurable and can be scheduled too. Of course, we added a Hue smart plug, so we can turn them on and off with a voice command.
The Water Feature
Here's the water feature in the centre of the gravelled area. Jezz add a multi-coloured light meant for under water use.
A quick tour
Here's a short walk around of what has happened so far.