Constructing Bed No. 1

On Thursday the 17th of May 2007 we made a start on digging the foundations for the first of the new beds.  This involved drilling through the tarmac and laying a concrete base within to provide a strong foundation for the brick walls.

First we drilled through the tarmac creating a series of holes round the perimeter and about a foot inside the line.

It was then chiselled away at the edges and dug out to create a foot wide channel.  This will then be filled with concrete to create a solid base for the bricks.

Constructing Bed No. 2

This was dug out on the 7th of June 2007.  It has to be narrowed slightly as the original markings were not wide enough for wheelchair access, however this now means we'll be extending the Chamomile Seat.

We had few problems in achieving this except in stumbling upon an ants nest.  It was underneath one of the tubs which had to be moved.

The foundations for the bed were dug out as before using an electric drill to break through the tarmac.  The pit we made is about a foot a cross by almost a foot deep.

Below: Beds Nos 1 & 2 as seen almost completed on the 19th of June 2007.  They still await planting up and coping stone added to the top of the brickwork.



Below: Looking round the sweeping curves towards the, as yet, un-extended Chamomile Seat.  Bed No. 1 seen here on the left.  Taken on the 19th of June 2007.




A Little Bit About The Secret Garden

Secluded in one corner of Growing Matters is an area previously known as the Courtyard.  It was built sometime after we moved to this site in 2000.

Although a nice area to sit and well planted round the perimeter it was felt that this area could do with improvement.

We started out in late 2005/early 2006 making plans and coming up with ideas of how this area should be developed.

A plan and artists impressions were made showing how the area could look.

Although working round the basic layout of the existing courtyard area it was decided to completely redesign the whole area.

This includes new beds round the interior and exterior walls, enlarging the existing perimeter beds and creating an improved sales area.

We will also be adding new features such as a central water fountain, a formal pond with cascade, two chamomile seats, a pergola and new seating.

  So, what do you guys think?