Sunday, October 27, 2013

Home and Garden

As work progresses on the rebuilding of the jungle hut our thoughts are turning to the completion of this and also the house itself. One question from the builders last week was where to route the drain pipes and gutters. We previously had connected one side to a water butt, however with the extended deck area this may not work the way it had before. The current plan is to use the water to irrigate the tree ferns on one side and bamboo on the other. We wont be able to capture the water and get the design right. Perhaps its just as well that we do have a water butt on the small shed to help through the dry summer periods (if we manage to get any that is!)

We are still anticipating that the new building will be completed this week, however with a bad storm forecast for this evening it is possible that things may get delayed if our builders get called away to assist with storm damage elsewhere - hopefully our garden will be spared any damage. We have taken basic precautions, placing pots onto the ground that were elevated, and removing the various agaves that sat on the pond wall. Neither of us fancied the idea of having to try and get a sunken pot from the bottom of the pond, October isn't exactly the best time to be diving in with the koi.

We moved these in case the gusts of wind blew them into the pond
Just a small gimpse of the pond, we know we still need to share photos of the completed pond but with the very hectic summer we have had this was delayed. We will share them soon I promise :)

However we have mostly spent this weekend working on the house itself, the weather being too wet and windy to enjoy being outside, and we are nearing the end of the various projects. It is nice that most of the rooms the builders had worked on are now complete, so we have been busy setting up the kitchen and lounge how we want them, unpacking boxes and cleaning. Somehow builders dust manages to get into sealed boxed, I don't know how they manage it!!

Lets hope the storm passes without too many problems.

Gaz

25 comments :

  1. I hope the storm has passed you by! I always love having professionals come in to do a job, though I have learned it pays to keep an eye on things and keep the lines of communication open. I really am looking forward to seeing all your completed projects!

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  2. Indeed, you don't need a storm to create more havoc. I wonder though, your comment about October not being a great time to dive in with the koi, does that mean perhaps that you did dive in, say maybe in July?

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    1. Indeed Loree, we could do with not adding any more claims on our insurance. So far so good we came off it relatively unscathed bar a few pots that topple. No didn't get the chance to dive in the pond last July :)

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  3. Builders dust gets everywhere, I think it has pseudo-magical properties... "Diving with Koi" might catch on? Thought of you guys watching george Clarke's programme about amazing small spaces and saw a man who had built a tropical tank into his basement, complete with rays and catfish. Never seen anything like it.

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    1. So true Janet, they do get everywhere and even if you've thoroughly cleaned they still come down later on, seeming to come from somewhere mysterious. Yes we watch that program, love it and find it inspirational!

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  4. Hope the storm is giving you a miss. Looking forward to more photos of your superb pond - I do envy you those gorgeous agaves in pots. Good luck with the work going forward this week!

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    1. Thanks Cathy! We had to put the agaves on the deck in preparation for the storm just in case they get blown into the pond which would be no good if it did. Thankfully storm has passed now.

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  5. I know what you mean about the dust. With my reno last year it was awful, with white drywall dust everywhere after tearing out walls. Hope the storm passes by without anymore damage to you guys.
    Cher Sunray Gardens

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    1. Thanks Cher! Thankfully storm is over now. Yes, dust does get everywhere, cleaning is almost constant at the moment.

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  6. I've been hearing on the news how devastating the storms have been there. I hope you made it through o.k., and that the builders will be back on track again soon.

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    1. Thanks Holley! Storm is over now thankfully and no damage happened in our garden. Lots of devastation did happen on the southern and coastal areas which was sad to see but clearing up and repair is on full force there at the moment.

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  7. Not tempted by an underground rainwater collection tank?

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    1. It crossed our minds Helen but after doing all that pond digging before the idea of digging loads again didn't appeal...

      It's a good system though!

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  8. I hope your garden is unscathed by the storm!

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  9. First a fire and now a storm? You guys deserve a break.

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    1. I know Ricki, thankfully storm is over now, whew!

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  10. Being into blogging for a long time now and a follower of your posts, i feel like i know every corner and the pains you've been through building and growing all the things there. I mostly remember the long drama with the building of the koi pond, haha! Now it it re-building again. I salute your stamina and passion in building, I wish i am like the two of you! God bless.

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    1. Thank you Andrea, and sentiments towards you are the same :) Always a pleasure to read your replies!

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  11. Hooray that the storm is over and all is well. The glimpse of your new pond was delightful! What an exciting and busy time you've been having this year!

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    1. Whew, thank goodness the storm has passed indeed Peter! It's been a very manic year...

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  12. How exciting that the storm has passed and you're setting up your kitchen! I love the agaves in white pots--so clean and perfect.

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  13. I love your landscaping, I hope you have a wider shot, but still it looks amazing up close and personal.:)
    Succulents! I love those, too!!!

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