Pathway patch-up
Today I did two hours on my own on the plot and then another two hours with a helper (paid in fast food). Between us we transformed the paths and added a little decking area to the plot.
Old weed fabric and wood chip removed (left) Nice new paths (right)
I lifted all the old weed suppression fabric, collecting the handy pins, that look like giant staples as I went. The fabric, which is plastic, was still in pretty good condition and had done a very good job of suppressing weeds. The edges however did fray, and I am still finding long threads of plastic around the place. It is not something I will use in the plot again. For areas of temporary coverage I have been pinning down empty compost bags, and for longer term I have been using cardboard and wood chip.
It really did look worse before it looked better! At this point I was starting to wonder if I had done the right thing.
After a pause for lunch and some 'wildlife photography' the paths were replaced and we started on some decking which has been made from reclaimed fence panels.
Nice tidy paths and new decking area - plus a little view of the pond progress (still no frogs).
Im not sure how long the decking is going to last, the reason that we took down the fence was because some of it had started to rot. I am not sure how long it will be before it succumbs to the damp. Perhaps I should have given it a thorough clean and found a way to protect it... but for now the components were free and it is doing a good job.
What things have you done in the plot or garden that you wouldn't recommend?
Any good reclamation projects?
Spend: £3 on wood chip (6 full wheelbarrows)
Time on the plot: 4 hours +2 for the helper
Feeling: Grateful