Mini Makeover - Part Two for a dirt patch

There was a little more digging in stage 2 than I anticipated.  I also came across some existing drainage I was unaware of and lots of lumps of concrete to dig up. I made a good start on digging the drainage trench and a big storm on Saturday morning put a stop to any work but did help to soften the ground!

tough digging and an unexpected inground drainage pipe!

I was able to repair the pipe with some agi pipe (slotted pipe) and the drainage line running parallel to the pavers has allowed a great place to connect the trench drain to!

I levelled the ground in the trench and laid the drain on a smooth sand base to a fall so the water will drain into the existing pipe and the trench grate drain is also level with the pavers.  The trench grate drain is a great product that comes in 1m lengths from Bunnings and is able to be clipped together and easily cut to length with a handsaw. (Tip: run water in your grate to ensure that the water flows in the right direction before backfilling)

Ahh finished all that digging!  Now just had to backfill the trench with small aggregate (rocks) and soil and plant the remaining mondo grass and place the river pebbles!

Voile won't be long and the grass will grow up to the grate!

Now I have another tired area to plan in the garden, stay tuned......

Mini Makeover Part One - for a dirt patch!

After many attempts for the grass to grow up to our outdoor paved area, I thought it was time for a quick solution!

Great hardy mondo grass ready for planting!

A few bags of sand, some nice river pebbles and some leftover sandstone pavers from the front path and some greenery in the form of decorative mondo grass and voile!



Tired dusty strip ready for a makeover!

So away with the whispy shoots of dry grass and weeds, a bit of muscle and a shovel to level the area.

I spread the sand and levelled the pavers and used the river pebbles as a feature around the pavers. Then I planted a row of mondo grass between the gaps of the layed pavers.

All the hard work is done, now time to water the new plants and hose off the pavers.

The great colours in the sandstone are able to be seen now that they've been hosed down.

Part 1 complete and Part 2 to follow..... more planting and important drainage and TLC to the remaining lawn!

Not enough hours in the day!

I've been away from my blog for a while - not enough hours in the day!
Busy on some maintenance and spring cleaning projects ........

Find great storage solutions like this mop/broom holder (great space saver and this was one of the best changes to my laundry at the beginning of the year!) at Howard's Storage World

These jobs don't always create a picture perfect opportunity, but have to be done!

I've been doing more work on a design for a beach apartment, will keep you posted on this one.

Maeira Beach image Rentalo I could never get tired of the fabulous colour and warmth in this picture

Getting out in the garden...

Lime tree in flower image treesdirect.co.uk - find great fruit trees at your local nursery or market

Sometimes with gardening you need the patience of a Saint!  I bought a lime tree in the last few weeks and planted it within reach of a lime tree which I had planted nearly seven years ago that had never beared any limes! What do you you know I have many buds and baby limes similar to those pictured on my old and new tree - I can't wait for the bumper crop!

and indulging in a few bike rides on my new wheels!

image by Juan Salmoral

The scenery may not be quite as magical as this Amsterdam scene but I love riding around my local neighbourhood and enjoying the gorgeous Brisvegas weather.

and lastly I've been planning some more mini makeovers to share with you in the coming weeks!

you may remember this one....

http://littlecovedesign.blogspot.com/2011/04/red-geraniums.html