Patio

Just showed Julie this and she seems in favour. I think i will try taking two or three out as its not a large area. We have just got rid of our large wooden table and cahirs that we brought from the old hopuse and will buy a smaller 'Bistro' style one with just two chairs and I will get that first and see where we will want to put it before taking slabs out. I will use the same stones that we have around the shed, to tie the two areas in .

That sounds good, Paul. I have rung the changes a couple of times since I lifted the pavers. At one time, in one of the small spaces, I had a mosaic which I made with bits of plant pot, broken plates and coloured stones. Eventually, it subsided, mainly due to the ants I think, and got very weedy so I scraped it all out. I've had pinkish/grey gravel as well. This golden type was on special offer when I took out all the plants yet again and I couldn't resist. It was serendipitous because I think the golden colour goes really well with the gazebo.

Aren't ants a menace when they do that? Ours dig out the sand between the paving blocks.

Must have been a real bonus when you realised the gazebo could be anchored in the gravel - serendipity!

that is a good view, now I get a better idea. My area is small but would still look good I am sure with this sort of idea. I like pots and I could turn it into a dry zone with grasses etc in gravel. Time will tell if I do. I will post pictures if I do alter the slabs need to think hard about it first, that means lots of coffee's and sitting out and looking at the area first, what a good excuse. Thanks for the inspiration Melchi :O)

Yes, ants' activities are a nuisance, Stera. I don't really worry about them but this year the amount of sand/soil thrown up seems even more than usual. The only time I do anything is when we get crowds of flying ants emerging. Then I'm afraid all my usual tolerance of insects disappears and my methods of disposal become draconian, to say the least.

You are very welcome, Barbara. If I have given you a good reason (surely not an excuse!) for coffee in the garden, then I feel very pleased. I have taken lots of inspiration (and reasons for drinking coffee) from GoY and am proud to provide some myself!

lol /:o)