Paving finally started..

How exciting, I love to watch transformations like this, looking forward to seeing the next stage and the end result. Nice lot of plants there too... and as for the pallets on the front lawn, well, that's a hanging offence, lol!

Not sure i'd go that far Bamboo lol...I just bit my lip and smiled, i just hope its not sunk under the weight.. Due to the size of the patio my budget couldn't stretch to anything other than concrete pressed slabs and a clean and re lay on the front drive but he is putting brick pavers around the edges so once its filled with plants, table and chairs should look fine.. With it being so much bigger than it was i've got to buy a new table and chairs and nicnaks to fill it. But still exciting watching the changes day by day.

I agree I love before and after shots, your front lawn looks lovely let hope the pallets don't ruin it looking forward to seeing the finished garden with all your plants in situ

Just nipped up the back for a nosey, poor blokes working in this wind and between the rain showers..Seeing as there using old paving looks very good what they done up there so far.. I know i'm paying them but i feel guilty sat in the warmth in the house..

It all looks as if it's going very well Bill - it will be quite a transformation when it's all done and planted.

Great progress and I like seeing it as the work gets done. I am like you....got plants all in pots waiting for the garden to get started....another week to wait for us though.

I'll favourite you so I can keep track of your garden remake...it's all exciting when it gets underway. Good luck with it all.

Ooooh how exciting, I love to see a makeover before and after, you will be running around like a headless chicken once its finished Bill, It looks great so far and your plants in the pots look really healthy, Keep us upto date with the pics :)

I`ll willingly have your rain for a while Bill, its all coming along very well and hopefully the lawn will get uncovered tootsweet.. Nice of you allowing them to have the makings of a brew in the garage, sounds as though they are doing a good job for you. Stay in the warm, your turn will soon come when its time to place all your plants......

Looks a super job to me so far, I can almost feel the excitement, bet your just dying to get down to the actual planting.

I can't wait to see you garden develop. I love before and after pictures, it's all very exciting, looking forward to your next blog :o)

Gosh, Bill, the garden's flying now! I'll be watching with great nosiness, no sorry...curiosity!! Your plants are all looking well loved and looked after and they're not even in the ground yet! Good luck with all the work to come!

Looking forward to seeing it being transformed as it goes along.

I bet you cann't wait for it to be completed and get all of your lovely plants in - keep the photos coming.

Thanks all.. the lads didn't do much more after i posted this because of the heavy rain, but hopefully they will turn up bright and early and transform a little bit more while i go to bed after my nightshift..
My plants have been sat in those pots for weeks and weeks now but sadly my azaleas are all loosing their flowers..

I've been trying to work out how much soil i will need to fill the 2 new borders on the patio anyone got any idea how to work it out? They are both around 12ft long and 3 ft wide by about 14inches deep.

I will post more pictures and yes i am excited about experimenting with different plants and ideas..(probably pinch some off your lovely gardens)

I think when you order your topsoil, if you give them the size you wont to fill i bet they would know, well me being on my own thats what i would do.

Yes your probably right Clarice i just dont wan't to drop the phone when they tell me the price! I did have loads of soil at the back where they have made another paved area, but with working nights i had been to bed and by the time i had got up it had all gone. I think they were just trying to keep things tidy.

Nice to see the work has commensed.

A piece of advice, Bill, on buying topsoil - buy top quality graded, or you're likely to end up with motorway spoil. And as Clarice says, the supplier will know how much you'll need...

Thanks Bamboo, i did buy a few tonne from Rolawn when i first moved in,and everything grew a treat. I just guessed at the quantity that time. I'll probably buy from them again this time it was lovely stuff very light and a full tonne in the bulk back unlike some others who don't.

Bulk bag that should have read..

Wont be long now Bill, you have some beautiful plants there and you have really made a difference in such a short space of time.

You are absolutely correct, it's almost a gamble to find the right people to do work for you and that goes for the gardens. We were lucky too when we had the transformation done on our "slope", the men were brilliant, worked in all weather and always on time and tidy. So I am with you watching the progress and to me it looks as it's going to be great, so can't wait for the next installment. Wish you luck and happiness with the outcome.

Just a tip Bill, if you have any sharp sand left over from the patio build you can mix it with top soil and compost to get a brilliant planting mix that helps with drainage. It also helps keeps the cost down on volume required.