Patio

When we moved into the property, we found, beneath a lot of broken roofing plastic, a large slab of concrete in front of the shed. After we had cleared the brambles, nettles and junk from the side of the shed we found a pile of bricks that was in danger of pushing the fence over. This week, with nothing better to do, we moved the bricks to the concrete slab, cleaning old cement off with a bolster and lump hammer as we went. We now have a brick patio! It is somewhat wobbly in places as I need to secure some of the edges, and the bricks are old. When the DIY stores reopen properly I shall spread a mix of sharp sand and compost on top to fill the gaps.

Once the patio was finished I realised that there was no view so spent this afternoon dismantling the existing wooden structure that obscured the view. This had been put together very badly (proper bodge job!), but most of it came apart relatively easily. I have another pot of rusty screws to add to my collection. The outer structure is still there as it has been bolted together and looks difficult to dismantle. I will find a way! 

Lastly, I moved the compost bin. To my delight I found a slow worm, as well as lots of worms and woodlice. When I had finished I sat and watched our neighborhood blackbird hen come back and forth collecting grubs and worms. Lovely! Next step is to make a flowerbed where the compost heap stood.