The Pool, the Bed and the Balcony

The pool as described before, was the cherry on the top of the project. So over-budget we’ve effectively forgotten how much it (plus the decking and fencing) cost. But it’s beautiful and we love it. The big flowerbed in front of it was a labour of love to prepare. As in the house, rock is under and in everything. So all the rocks, stones, building rubble and old bottles had to be removed, earth sifted, and Anti-weed membrane put on - 18 months in preparation! Many thanks to my cousin Rob whose patient instructions and muscle made me do it right. Then thanks to various friends for advice on planting and quantities, my friend Maureen who I ridiculed when she said I’d need 100 plants, and then I ended up buying 99 plants with a hope and a prayer that they would one day fill the space. It only took two years to fill out, and the plants now pretty much decide how and where they want to seed themselves. And oh how the bees love it. The balcony forms a huge outside space for our bedroom but also a roof for the outside terrace off the snug, which although initially decked has now been tiled and finished to provide a waterproof cover for comfortable seating area, for that evening sundowner come rain or shine.