2026 - consolidation and calm

jwil

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82050653#Comment_82050653

That sounds great. I can never find clothes that I like, so I love the idea of making my own, but I know in reality I wouldn't manage it 😆

PennysIntoPounds

We've been looking at retractable awnings to attach to the brickwork for shade and while not cheap, neither are good large parasols and these would give much more coverage, something to ponder. Definitely need to start purchasing things with long term climate in mind these days sadly

jwil

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82050833#Comment_82050833

I'd love a retractable awning, but I can't see how we could put one up. It's a single storey extension with french doors and the guttering is above the doors. The patio is only small, so I won't be able to go for anything big anyway - I was just thinking today that probably half the things I was looking at yesterday wouldn't be suitable. I agree though, I'm definitely thinking about how I can future proof things for the future.

jwil

I've been out in the garden again this afternoon. We now have a patio that looks like a patio, and a path that looks like a path. Neither are particularly attractive, but at least they are no longer weed strewn.

I've tried to grow lavender many times in this house, and it has never survived in the beds. A couple of years ago, a couple of strands grew randomly in the edge of one of our steps. I have no idea where it came from. It is now a thriving bush! It's in a completely inappropriate place, but it's not going anywhere as I love it 😂

PennysIntoPounds

Ah yeah definitely don't compromise the guttering, climate might be changing but this is still Britain 😂

Maybe one of those side angle parasols that look like what they use to take pics for photo shoots so you can block out where the sun is coming from rather than just over where you're sitting?