My Garden Overhaul .... Why Did I Start This ..Picture heavy
Discussion
So after reading so many good build threads etc, I thought it is only fair I put my garden makeover on.
Now please don't laugh, this isn't my day job, I am an accountant by day, so all this lifting is a fair shock to the system. I do however think I can take my hand to anything, I just don't excel at anything!
So after completely renovating my last house, the wife decided it was time to get somewhere bigger. We also wanted to increase our family size, so we opted for a new build. Bugger all character, but warm, well laid out, cheap to maintain and a ten year guarantee. It'll do for a few years.
So as with any new build the garden was horrific. They had turfed over what I can only assume was the worst possible soil they could find, and any rubbish the builders had left. So far I have found security fence posts (those big black rubber feet), tools, brick wrappers, remains of builders lunches, fence post, bags of sand etc etc.
So I roped in my mate who was a landscape designer architect type person, and he came up with a design. He gave me a quote to do all the work, I laughed, he was serious, I fell over and decided I could do this myself. He then laughed when I said I wanted it done by mid July due to the oncoming birth of my firstborn. Ideally I wanted it done late June when my wife went on maternity.... I shall tell you now, it is not done, he was right to laugh!!!!
So when I started in April (yes April) it was a very very uneven mound of turf that was rotting.... I will let the pictures do the talking. I would like you to take special note of the fences. clearly the chipper has never seen a level before. It is the only downfall of the house was the garden and fencing, the rest I have to say is superb.
On with the pictures:
So the plan was made:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
a digger was brought in, no way was I using a spade and barrow in this shocking bad soil:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Digging:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Good bye awful grass:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Progress leveling ground, I cannot explain how uneven the ground was, I am not sure how they managed it!!!
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Took about 5 of these of these removed:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Getting there, although I think it was about now I threw a bit of a paddy as I was tired and it seemed never ending;
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Spray paint to mark out key areas:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Starting to dig out and get it level, the general area of the path:
IMG_0177 by joe L, on Flickr
Put in some land drains to help with drainage due to the clay like soil:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Started to throw hardcore down for path and patios etc.... getting tired now.
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
IMG_0192 by joe L, on Flickr
Start of May I can start laying some brick edging:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
IMG_0263 by joe L, on Flickr
leaving a gap from house to backfill with gravel:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Down one side of the house, just for the bins to sit on, I "may" build a shed down that side from the end of the path:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
IMG_0268 by joe L, on Flickr
Patio in front of house coming together:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Then it rained, rough marking where the curve will be:
IMG_0316 by joe L, on Flickr
A massive oak delivery was made, this was so heavy hand balling into the back garden, I bribed the delivery man to help me, he was going to just leave it on the drive otherwise:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
A bit more patio done, this is where the wife says she doesn't like the last few small slabs I have put in, and says it doesn't match, I explain they're just "fillers" and will be cut, she goes off in her pregnant way muttering:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Then I do the cut, really proud of this bit:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Start putting some brick edging on it:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
And carry on around, this will be the inner circle of the path, which retains the grass:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Edited - 12/04/2017 - As Photobucket no longer works - moved onto Flickr
Now please don't laugh, this isn't my day job, I am an accountant by day, so all this lifting is a fair shock to the system. I do however think I can take my hand to anything, I just don't excel at anything!
So after completely renovating my last house, the wife decided it was time to get somewhere bigger. We also wanted to increase our family size, so we opted for a new build. Bugger all character, but warm, well laid out, cheap to maintain and a ten year guarantee. It'll do for a few years.
So as with any new build the garden was horrific. They had turfed over what I can only assume was the worst possible soil they could find, and any rubbish the builders had left. So far I have found security fence posts (those big black rubber feet), tools, brick wrappers, remains of builders lunches, fence post, bags of sand etc etc.
So I roped in my mate who was a landscape designer architect type person, and he came up with a design. He gave me a quote to do all the work, I laughed, he was serious, I fell over and decided I could do this myself. He then laughed when I said I wanted it done by mid July due to the oncoming birth of my firstborn. Ideally I wanted it done late June when my wife went on maternity.... I shall tell you now, it is not done, he was right to laugh!!!!
So when I started in April (yes April) it was a very very uneven mound of turf that was rotting.... I will let the pictures do the talking. I would like you to take special note of the fences. clearly the chipper has never seen a level before. It is the only downfall of the house was the garden and fencing, the rest I have to say is superb.
On with the pictures:
So the plan was made:
Garden by joe L, on Flickra digger was brought in, no way was I using a spade and barrow in this shocking bad soil:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrDigging:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrGood bye awful grass:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrProgress leveling ground, I cannot explain how uneven the ground was, I am not sure how they managed it!!!
Garden by joe L, on FlickrTook about 5 of these of these removed:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrGetting there, although I think it was about now I threw a bit of a paddy as I was tired and it seemed never ending;
Garden by joe L, on FlickrSpray paint to mark out key areas:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrStarting to dig out and get it level, the general area of the path:
IMG_0177 by joe L, on FlickrPut in some land drains to help with drainage due to the clay like soil:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrStarted to throw hardcore down for path and patios etc.... getting tired now.
Garden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrIMG_0192 by joe L, on FlickrStart of May I can start laying some brick edging:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrIMG_0263 by joe L, on Flickrleaving a gap from house to backfill with gravel:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrDown one side of the house, just for the bins to sit on, I "may" build a shed down that side from the end of the path:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrIMG_0268 by joe L, on FlickrPatio in front of house coming together:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrThen it rained, rough marking where the curve will be:
IMG_0316 by joe L, on FlickrA massive oak delivery was made, this was so heavy hand balling into the back garden, I bribed the delivery man to help me, he was going to just leave it on the drive otherwise:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrA bit more patio done, this is where the wife says she doesn't like the last few small slabs I have put in, and says it doesn't match, I explain they're just "fillers" and will be cut, she goes off in her pregnant way muttering:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrThen I do the cut, really proud of this bit:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrStart putting some brick edging on it:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrAnd carry on around, this will be the inner circle of the path, which retains the grass:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrEdited - 12/04/2017 - As Photobucket no longer works - moved onto Flickr
Edited by joestifff on Wednesday 12th April 11:56
AndStilliRise said:
Looks good man. Is that how it is at the moment then?
No a bit further, I shall upload some more pictures to photobucket nowTriumph Man said:
If it's any consolation, I think that's looking really good
Thanks, much appreciated, sometimes I look and am impressed, other times I just want it done!myvision said:
You'll be posting on the lawn thread soon.
Looking good so far.
I will be, certainly will need the help with this soil, The old grass did not cope well with the soil at all, hence the drainage.Looking good so far.
cylon said:
very nice, will keep an eye on this thread, also moved into new build house so looking for inspiration on a budget.
New builds are great, well the houses are, I find the gardens are just abandoned messes!Vandenberg said:
Nice work, looking forward to seeing this finished.
How is your back holding up? Mine is knocked after doing battle with 30 years worth of ivy growth at the weekend.
Back was feeling the pain after the weekend after cutting up the sleepers... You can tell I am an office boy by day!How is your back holding up? Mine is knocked after doing battle with 30 years worth of ivy growth at the weekend.
cylon said:
question if you dont mind, where did your source the slabs and stones and prices for rough idea pls?
My mate (who designed the garden) got them for me, think I paid something like £17m2 delivered for them. I live near "prices paving" which a lot of people in the country use, they couldn't beat that price, not much in it though. I think they are very reasonably priced. Mind you spend the same again for the hardcore/cement etc underneath!edit:: Found out its from http://www.rflandscapeproducts.co.uk/ i could see it on one of the crates in the pictures below
bazza white said:
Nice cutting on the slabs. Good job all-round to well done.
My parents have this slabs and its pot luck on colours. Leveling them is a bugger you always end up with a lip somewhere.
Thanks mate, was really pleased with the cut.... wait till you see the main patio... pictures to follow. It is pot luck with colours, and where to place them, patterns etc, and yes as they are riven and uneven you get the odd lip. Look better once pointed up... a job i am NOT looking forward too.My parents have this slabs and its pot luck on colours. Leveling them is a bugger you always end up with a lip somewhere.
Edited by bazza white on Tuesday 12th July 12:14
Alex@POD said:
That looks really good! Do you want to come and sort out my garden? Endless supply of tea and bacon butties while you're on site!
I have actually enjoyed it at points once I got going. I have dragged in a few mates every now and then to help etc. So the wife was on food and drinks duties then.silobass said:
Looks great so far, cracking job
CheersNickCW said:
That looks fantastic!
Can't wait to see this done.
Me either mate...... Can't wait to see this done.
Edited by joestifff on Tuesday 12th July 14:21
So we continue......
The fun bit, you'll remember I said the fence was shocking. Well it was mainly due to how undulating the ground was, this corner below is where the main patio is going (North east facing garden, so patio at back of garden to maximise sun) You can see the fall on the fence, well the patio is going to be higher than the bottom of the fence.
I went to see my neighbour on the left to ask if he wanted me to raise the fence so I am not peering down on him, as his patio is on the other side and my finished level will be about 7 inches higher than his!! He said he wasn't bothered and no point replacing, he didn't mind me peering over!
So built up hardcore, and used some wood to retain the cement etc rotting the fence panels, as you can see in the picture:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Then it is on with laying the brick edge! this edging is a ballache for someone who never lays bricks for a living. I really am glad I am doing it, but bloody hell it would be easier to not have done it, and saved a fortune, and been quicker... anyway, worth it... I hope.
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Then laying the patio
IMG_0461 by joe L, on Flickr
More, then it rained... this weather is not helping progress:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
I got bored of laying patio, so started cutting up sleepers for the raised beds.... massive Jenga anyone???
IMG_0473 by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Dug trenches for raised beds.... awful awful soil, have I mentioned that?
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Last few bits of patio before the big cut:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Don't have one of just after cut, only when started laying the edging:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Patio done (bar the dreaded pointing)
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Time for raised beds:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
IMG_0516 by joe L, on Flickr
Clamps are handy, until cement dries then I timberlock them together.... amazing screws:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Progress:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
Raised bed at other side, straight edges are easier:
Garden by joe L, on Flickr
IMG_0528 by joe L, on Flickr
And that is how far I am, baby due next week!!! I joked saying I will use my maternity cover to finish it off... did not go down well!! Best crack on this week after work and weekend!!
Edited 12/04/2017 - Photobucket fallen out with Pistonheads - photos moved to Flickr
The fun bit, you'll remember I said the fence was shocking. Well it was mainly due to how undulating the ground was, this corner below is where the main patio is going (North east facing garden, so patio at back of garden to maximise sun) You can see the fall on the fence, well the patio is going to be higher than the bottom of the fence.
I went to see my neighbour on the left to ask if he wanted me to raise the fence so I am not peering down on him, as his patio is on the other side and my finished level will be about 7 inches higher than his!! He said he wasn't bothered and no point replacing, he didn't mind me peering over!
So built up hardcore, and used some wood to retain the cement etc rotting the fence panels, as you can see in the picture:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrThen it is on with laying the brick edge! this edging is a ballache for someone who never lays bricks for a living. I really am glad I am doing it, but bloody hell it would be easier to not have done it, and saved a fortune, and been quicker... anyway, worth it... I hope.
Garden by joe L, on FlickrThen laying the patio
IMG_0461 by joe L, on FlickrMore, then it rained... this weather is not helping progress:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrI got bored of laying patio, so started cutting up sleepers for the raised beds.... massive Jenga anyone???
IMG_0473 by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrDug trenches for raised beds.... awful awful soil, have I mentioned that?
Garden by joe L, on FlickrLast few bits of patio before the big cut:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrDon't have one of just after cut, only when started laying the edging:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrPatio done (bar the dreaded pointing)
Garden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrTime for raised beds:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrIMG_0516 by joe L, on FlickrClamps are handy, until cement dries then I timberlock them together.... amazing screws:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrProgress:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrGarden by joe L, on FlickrRaised bed at other side, straight edges are easier:
Garden by joe L, on FlickrIMG_0528 by joe L, on FlickrAnd that is how far I am, baby due next week!!! I joked saying I will use my maternity cover to finish it off... did not go down well!! Best crack on this week after work and weekend!!
Edited 12/04/2017 - Photobucket fallen out with Pistonheads - photos moved to Flickr
Edited by joestifff on Wednesday 12th April 14:55
Good timing, Having become the worlds oldest dad a few months ago (55...only a 24 year gap) you need an outdoor project to keep you away from the house and general cooing that will be going on with wife's friends.
Congrats the garden looks amazing not sure I'd want an ACA/FCA doing mine at the usual hourly rate
Congrats the garden looks amazing not sure I'd want an ACA/FCA doing mine at the usual hourly rate
Inkyfingers said:
That's really impressive stuff, and a huge amount of hard work!
Thanks, greatly appreciated, and yes, it is hard work, I really do appreciate more how hard manual jobs are... fair play to all that do them.Crumpet said:
I've seen 'professional' work that isn't half as good as that! Very impressive.
Have you any plans for planting taller trees / shrubs? Somethjng for a bit of privacy and to break up the fence a little?
Yes, there are plans, don't know the exact plans, but lots of big pots and planters to grow climbing things... all advice greatly received!!!! The fence is actually south facing so gets a lot of sun. It is hampered by the trees however.Have you any plans for planting taller trees / shrubs? Somethjng for a bit of privacy and to break up the fence a little?
There will also be a raised bed to the left of the big patio, so things can grow in there up the fence.
I'd love a small apple or pear tree somewhere, not sure if these can grow in pots or not?
Rangeroverover said:
Good timing, Having become the worlds oldest dad a few months ago (55...only a 24 year gap) you need an outdoor project to keep you away from the house and general cooing that will be going on with wife's friends.
Congrats the garden looks amazing not sure I'd want an ACA/FCA doing mine at the usual hourly rate
For how slow I work in the garden, I don't think I could afford myself!Congrats the garden looks amazing not sure I'd want an ACA/FCA doing mine at the usual hourly rate
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff