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Updated! My garden makeover (with pics)

amcluesent
amcluesent Posts: 9,425 Forumite
edited 26 June 2011 at 9:27PM in Gardening
So, back garden wasn't looking too clever! Dreary concrete slab path straight from back door to back gate, drain inspection cover slap-bang in the middle, silly little bit of grass and not enough space for plants. Rear of house faces east BTW, so fence on right creates a huge shade area.

Yes the yew tree is out of scale with the garden, but it's a real haven for the birds. Will give it a really hard prune soon and hope it bounces back.

IMG_0326.jpg

All change!

IMG_0337.jpg

Ground-works in progress, note shade area as sun moves around at midday! There will be a central "diamond" then 'zig-zag' paths to give a 'dry river' look and the levels have been worked out so that the drain cover gets a 40mm cover of gravel over geo-textile. Framing the edging with all those angles was a major pain!

65948475.jpg

95% done - edging is stained ebony to a bit contemporary, just need to trim weed fabric at edges once ground has settled. Colour scheme will be white/blue/yellow - most plants in/moved/split, summer bulbs to be planted today.

Kept slabs right at the back gate so wheelie-bin (part hidden by choysia) doesn't have to be dragged through gravel.

Back gate needs repainting in a neutral colour. Still thinking about what to do about clothes-line and concrete post...ideas?

IMG_0343.jpg

Materials costs probably £200ish, of course not accounting for my own time!
«134

Comments

  • boo80
    boo80 Posts: 482 Forumite
    Wow, it looks lovely! You've obviously put a lot of hard work in. Such an improvement, well done! x x
  • globetraveller
    globetraveller Posts: 2,249 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    That's a great transformation:)
    weight loss target 23lbs/49lb
  • PudseyDB
    PudseyDB Posts: 1,144 Forumite
    Looks lovely - how long did it take you to do all that?
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    :wave:
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
  • dom300186
    dom300186 Posts: 342 Forumite
    what a lovely garden well done, how long did it take you to do this?
    Trying to make big cut backs!!!

    :TExpecting DS2 EDD 28/March/2012:T

    :bdaycake:
  • Barneysmom
    Barneysmom Posts: 10,135 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    edited 2 May 2011 at 8:56AM
    It looks lovely what a massive improvement! So you can relax on your recliner now you've earned a break! :cool:

    There's not much you can do about the clothes line, maybe get a retractable one?

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Minky-Retractable-Reel-Line-15metres/dp/B0001A96H2/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Old style MoneySaving boards.
     If you need any help on these boards, please let me know.
     Please report any posts you spot that are in breach of the Forum Rules by using the Report button, or by e-mailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
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  • ERICS_MUM
    ERICS_MUM Posts: 3,579 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    What a transformation ! It looks like a professional garden designer has done it.

    Could I be nosey and ask what you used to "border" the gravelled areas please ?


    Linda xx
  • mrbadexample
    mrbadexample Posts: 10,805 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker Photogenic
    Good looking path, but what happens if you need to access the inspection cover? :whistle:
    If you lend someone a tenner and never see them again, it was probably worth it.
  • Humpty4u
    Humpty4u Posts: 25 Forumite
    amcluesent wrote: »
    So, back garden wasn't looking too clever! Dreary concrete slab path straight from back door to back gate, drain inspection cover slap-bang in the middle, silly little bit of grass and not enough space for plants. Garden faces east BTW, so fence on right creates a huge shade area.

    Yes the yew tree is out of scale with the garden, but it's a real haven for the birds. Will give it a really hard prune soon and hope it bounces back.

    IMG_0326.jpg

    All change!

    IMG_0337.jpg

    Ground-works in progress, note shade area as sun moves around at midday! There will be a central "diamond" then 'zig-zag' paths to give a 'dry river' look and the levels have been worked out so that the drain cover gets a 40mm cover of gravel over geo-textile. Framing the edging with all those angles was a major pain!

    65948475.jpg

    95% done - edging is stained ebony to a bit contemporary, just need to trim weed fabric at edges once ground has settled. Colour scheme will be white/blue/yellow - most plants in/moved/split, summer bulbs to be planted today.

    Kept slabs right at the back gate so wheelie-bin (part hidden by choysia) doesn't have to be dragged through gravel.

    Back gate needs repainting in a neutral colour. Still thinking about what to do about clothes-line and concrete post...ideas?

    IMG_0343.jpg

    Materials costs probably £200ish, of course not accounting for my own time!

    Great Garden :T
  • really love the zig zag path:T
    ***MSE...My.Special.Escape***
  • alessev1
    alessev1 Posts: 340 Forumite
    Well done ,look amazing!
    May 2013:
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