The dingo hits the soil (clay)!

A bright winters morning, Monday 10th January 2022 and we are about to start. This is where the rubber hits the road or more accurately the dingo hits the clay!

The months of discussions,reflections,changing of minds,staking out possible planting areas…..has resulted in a high level design schematic that the installation team will use to guide their work.The first action of the day is for Michael and myself to walk the garden with the Matt,the installation manager,and Umberto the project lead to review the design schematic.

Essentially we are validating the design, outlining the changes that have already been decided upon and discussing any immediate issues that become apparent. Some changes have been made to simplify and reduce cost others to enhance the aesthetics of the planting. This process takes us a little over an hour – which is a reflection of the work that has been done leading up to this point.

The keys elements of the project include extending the patio;creating a raised bed for a herb garden; creating and planting a large herbaceous border; the crevice garden; the “Japanese stylistic” area; the woodland walk with associated planting; rationalising and reusing the plants installed as part of the house build.

The patio preparation is the starting point.Michael provides the specific measurements and this translates into a an outline profile on the turf. A concept I used in my professional life was value engineering so CP and myself had previously value engineered the patio – which resulted in it being made smaller, based on its intended use. So once the profile was visible CP and myself agreed that this change was what we wanted and then the team started digging it out.

As with any and every project problems will arise. A given – and day 1 was no exception. The irrigation technician needs to be consulted earlier than anticipated regarding modifications to the existing system – something that was identified in discussions but the hope being that it would be at the back end of the project.

Satisfying. We have started and AndAllen is about to become a reality. How will it shape up? Time will tell.