canalsiderenovation Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 (edited) We have this tree which we call our bonsai bush (I know it isn't, but I've no idea what it is). Whilst it does look like it's been plonked in the middle of the garden we are reluctant to move it a) it's likely to die and b) it does add some character and c) the chickens shelter under it when it's raining! Unfortunately the sort of edging that has been plonked around it (we didn't do it) make it look particularly naff. It's been built up quite a bit which isn't really necessary as the roots are far lower so we can get rid of some of the soil and membrane and plum slate on top. We have cleaned up quite a lot of engineering bricks and I'm thinking now would be a good idea to try my hand at bricklaying! What do you think? Could a circular brick wall around this work? And can it be single brick? Tips for a complete novice on how to tackle this. Or just leave well alone 😬 Edited July 13, 2023 by canalsiderenovation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gone West Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 46 minutes ago, canalsiderenovation said: I've no idea what it is It could be a Weeping Hemlock. 47 minutes ago, canalsiderenovation said: Unfortunately the sort of edging that has been plonked around it (we didn't do it) make it look particularly naff. They look like council kerbs. Not the prettiest edging and they weigh a lot. 48 minutes ago, canalsiderenovation said: Could a circular brick wall around this work? I would go for it, just ram down 200mm small rubble or type1 for a base and brick on top. Lay it all out dry first to see what it looks like. Good luck. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Jimbo Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 As you are next to the canal, i think you should have a 1/3rd size canal boat built around it. A 3ft moat all around the outside of the boat, with a plank for the chickens to access the shelter of the tree. Then you could have a couple of ducks in the moat to keep the chickens company. If you think i am being silly, it's because. I like your house. I would like chickens, (and ducks), and i've had loads of canal boat holidays, and love the canals. So basically, i'm jealous. What about a pirate ship, half sunken. Designed in such a way as to be a nightime house for the chickens. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamyTea Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 23 minutes ago, Big Jimbo said: What about a pirate ship We have the copyright in that. I am sure, with a bit of thought, something interesting, and easy, could be made around it. The problem with brick is, in my opinion, it looks naff. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canalsiderenovation Posted July 13, 2023 Author Share Posted July 13, 2023 30 minutes ago, Big Jimbo said: As you are next to the canal, i think you should have a 1/3rd size canal boat built around it. A 3ft moat all around the outside of the boat, with a plank for the chickens to access the shelter of the tree. Then you could have a couple of ducks in the moat to keep the chickens company. If you think i am being silly, it's because. I like your house. I would like chickens, (and ducks), and i've had loads of canal boat holidays, and love the canals. So basically, i'm jealous. What about a pirate ship, half sunken. Designed in such a way as to be a nightime house for the chickens. 😂 We did have a proper narrowboat but sold it to fund the landscaping and to get things finally sorted - the hens and ducks used to jump on the boat too but after one hen had a brief dip into the canal they steered clear of the water! The Llangollen canal is of course the nicest canal on the network 😉 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canalsiderenovation Posted July 13, 2023 Author Share Posted July 13, 2023 9 minutes ago, SteamyTea said: The problem with brick is, in my opinion, it looks naff. Naffer than its current appearance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyT Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 I like the current set up rustic appeal, appreciate its just concrete kerbs but not a fan of the plumb slate thing 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamyTea Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 6 minutes ago, canalsiderenovation said: Naffer than its current appearance? Usually yes. I grew up in Essex. All borders seem to be brick. The horrible light brick they use there. We have Cornish Hedges down here, and I have spent the last 5 days walking past them. They can look quite good if the right stuff is planted into them. Maybe a minute one of them. I do very much like @Big Jimbo's idea of a moat. The chickens would like that. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canalsiderenovation Posted July 13, 2023 Author Share Posted July 13, 2023 Anyone want any edging? Bugger to move it. Two pieces gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe90 Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 46 minutes ago, SteamyTea said: The problem with brick is, in my opinion, it looks naff. I disagree (I built my passive house entirely out of rustic brick). As an edging to my gravel areas I used bricks laid at 45’ leaning on each other, far better than council kerbs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Ambrose Posted July 13, 2023 Share Posted July 13, 2023 I was going to say I thought it looked good as it is 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canalsiderenovation Posted July 13, 2023 Author Share Posted July 13, 2023 1 hour ago, Alan Ambrose said: I was going to say I thought it looked good as it is It's the kerbstones we hate and the shape doesn't help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canalsiderenovation Posted July 15, 2023 Author Share Posted July 15, 2023 Well we may rethink the bricks, just won 3 pallets (36 sleepers) for just over £350. We only wanted 20 so I'm thinking now of creating a shape around it with the sleepers.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now