PROJECTS

Our Trentham house is not far from our first anniversary since we moved in just prior to Christmas last year. Since then we have laid top soil, planted grass seed, built a shed and established several gardens. Over that time we've had several loads go gravel delivered to form paths and driveways.

Add to that a trip to Belgium, Amsterdam and France which included Sue's accident while overseas with 12 weeks of recovery after our return and I would have to say we've done OK in one year.

18 months ago we started the build and moved in on December 23, 2016.

We have two projects that should bring us to the pointy end of work load. The drawing below is the arbour we have commissioned to be built prior to Christmas. Sue hopes to grow climbing roses over the trellis giving a nice soft feel. (watch this space)

The other project is the tiling of the L-shaped al fresco and front outside entrance. Once we finish these two projects, I might just relax for awhile and smell the roses.

We decided to increase the sizes by an additional 200mm in HxLxW.

In the foreground are two oak trees with a bird bath between them. This is where  we will place the arbour.  Either side of the arbour, we are thinking of planting espalier, possibly either grapes or fruit trees. 

The other project mentioned, tiling the Alfresco, starts in two weeks (or after Christmas). We have purchased the tiles which are 300 x 600 and have a non-slip surface. The colours match the house perfectly with variations grey tones. I'll lay them in a brick pattern.

The following photos are just a bit of a recap of the last twelve months.

Looking out from the al fresco not long after we moved in. The block was littered with building debris and mounds of uneven earth. Now its a smooth bowling green of plush grass.

We've planted a herb garden

Then there's the start of a cottage garden.

We are now at the stage of maintaining the property with weeding and keeping the garden tidy - with adding to the plants already established.