As I work full time, time itself is a limited commodity. But the seasonal break provides me with far more time to spend in the garden working on small and large projects uninterrupted over a number of days. It offers me time to plan and assess the future of beds and borders. It gives me time to while away on nothing in particular.
This particularly enjoyable present has been put to good use this year as I have been able to work, over a number of days, planning and creating a new floor for the oak framed gazebo built in the far corner of our small orchard which we rather grandly call 'The Orchard Room.' It was constructed in the Summer of 2012 using seasoned local New Forest oak for the main frame with chestnut batons and cedar shingles for the roof, topped off with an onion shaped oak finial. It is entirely open on all sides and so sits perfectly with its rustic surroundings amongst the fruit trees and long grass.
For some time now The Orchard Room has been the subject of some debate. What do we do with the grass floor which has become dried and and worn away. Do we pave it? Too heavy handed. Do we simply lay gravel? Not particularly creative. Do we lay cobbles or granite sets? Too formal. In the end we elected to use up an odd selection of left over sandstone slabs and granite sets, that we had laying around, in a random sort of pattern. Using up this stock of unused materials made the whole project inexpensive other than the purchase of the mortar, some small bags of Cotswold chippings plus my own time and efforts levelling and laying the materials. But the effect is pleasing and in keeping with the nature of the structure under which it now sits. We are happy with the results and the aesthetic.
At least it kept me active and away from the sofa and TV controls which at this time of year is all too easy to retreat to. Much more fun to enjoy my present and that most precious of gifts....time!
