Up The Garden Path 2

Previously I reported on the installation of garden path timber edging.

We will divide up project into:
1) Survey, measure and determine boundaries, slopes and levels;[completed]
2) Lay hard edging timber to flower beds; [completed]
3) Determine initial base levels to pathway walkways;
4) Lay approx 50mm of 12mm base-course aggregate;
5) Compact the base-course layer with a mechanical compactor (hire);
6) Select and procure stepping stones, lay stepping stones;
7) Fill top-coat of 3mm pea metal pebbles;

Today, we started with the hardscape surfacing if the walking surfaces with 12mm base-course aggregate.

(Above): This picture shows some of the prelim excavation to determine datum levels so as to lay an acceptable and suitable thickness of base-course and overlaying with a suitable thickness of pea metal pebbles. We have two sizes of paver on hand for consideration as use for stepping stones.  Decisions, decisions, decisions…

(Above): A close-up of the pea metal pebbles(nominal 3mm). In contrast to the dull granite grey of the base stones,the pea metal is a distinct dove-grey/sunset pink mix. I had a slight chuckle reading the cartage contractor’s delivery note, which listed 3m3 of pee metal.

(Above): Clayton and Tyler at work preparing zone 2 of the potager path at the pergola gates (not to be confused with those of St Peter)

(Above): The base layer on the potager path finally completed to gas bottle corner. Ready for the next phase – compacting down with water and vibrating compactor next weekend.

(Above): The ground being prepared and topsoil being removed at gas bottle corner. Getting the various slopes to see “level” proves to be a bit more difficult than was expected…

(Above): Preparation of the Secret Garden pathway. A few very obstinate tree roots were encountered in this stretch.

(Above): A view of the completed secret garden pathway looking north.

(Above): The final stretch between gas bottle corner and the runway lawn still needs some excavation and levelling before spreading the last six or so barrows of chip stone.

To be continued in a future post “Up the Garden Path 3”