Long time readers might recall the 'saga' of one of the garden beds in the front yard...the one that DH and I allowed to be dug up to enable the firm who was redeveloping the site next door to us, to lay the stormwater pipes. It had been a tale of mismanagement, firms going out of business and reapplications to council, which caused the townhouses to be almost completely built without the stormwater drains being laid and connected up. DH felt that we should display good neighbourliness and give our permission for the tradespersons to dig up our side garden to allow them to access the property next door. The 2 young men who did all the work were polite and well mannered and their boss, and the obsequious project manager of the building firm (yes I'm referring to Brad!) had promised that all would be restored after the work was finished.
The remnants of this particular garden ...
I had even furnished Brad with a list of plants that had been dug up and which I reasonably expected would be replaced. Then DH and I went on our 7 week holiday to the UK and France...
When we arrived back, there had been a fair bit of progress on the build next door...and the fence had finally been replaced. The engineering firm had turfed alongside the fence on our property and soil had been brought in to replace all that which had been taken away...and my edging had been replaced. More plants had disappeared though, and despite digging into that mulch, I couldn't find any trace.
How barren it all looked and I started my campaign of ringing the project manager to see when he would be dropping off those promised new plants...yeah right???
One plant purchased from Bunnings and several cuttings from friends, became my replacement plants...
We've had quite a bit of rain here in the last month and what a difference it has made!
Even the tired old pentas is doing well...
I like this garden bed now, as the plants remind me of those friends who provided those cuttings...and the replacement soil is very good quality, so that has to be a bonus :-)
When we arrived back, there had been a fair bit of progress on the build next door...and the fence had finally been replaced. The engineering firm had turfed alongside the fence on our property and soil had been brought in to replace all that which had been taken away...and my edging had been replaced. More plants had disappeared though, and despite digging into that mulch, I couldn't find any trace.
How barren it all looked and I started my campaign of ringing the project manager to see when he would be dropping off those promised new plants...yeah right???
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| That termite monitor box in the above photo, is actually a replacement...the landscapers made the previous one disappear along with a few plants...pine bark mulch on wooden fences isn't a good idea in Brisbane either. From the base of the fence, I removed enough mulch to spread around 2 other garden beds. |
We've had quite a bit of rain here in the last month and what a difference it has made!
Even the tired old pentas is doing well...
You were too good a neighbour Maria. After all you did for Brad and Co, you'd think they could have at least replaced your plants. Anyway, regardless of them, it now looks lovely and I'm sure is bringing you much pleasure. xox PS .. this robot thing is dreadful. I had to try about half a dozen times to try and work out what was just like scribble.
ReplyDeleteAll's well that ends well, I guess. And it does look very nice. As for Brad, may the aphids chew his roses and the moles tunnel his lawn! (Or whatever it is you have down there that would do similar mischief.)
ReplyDeleteAt least your garden is looking nice now, Maria.
ReplyDeleteA 'friendship garden' - one of the best! At least the good soil and the excess mulch was a bonus!! 'The Robot Thing' - it has worked each time for me so far!
ReplyDeleteThat garden looks lush and wonderful Maria. What a difference some rain and sunshine make and a terrific outcome after having barren spots. It looks easy care too, always a bonus.
ReplyDeleteIt is so frustrating when things are promised and don't eventuate but thankfully now with the help of your friends you have a lovely lush garden.
ReplyDeleteFriends are the flowers in the garden of life.
You are so nice, they really should have done the whole job while you were away. The garden looks fabulous now.
ReplyDelete-Soma
Yes, I remember back then ... what a trying time. You were more than generous with them :D)
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to see the bed as it is now and, yes, the bonus of a garden of friends is the very best kind.
The garden bed does look very pretty now. But what a frustrating time you have had to get it there.
ReplyDeleteMaria, what a pity that the plants were not replaced - don't some contractors drive you crazy?!
ReplyDeleteWell done with what you've achieved
I'm sorry to hear that you had such a disappointment with the contractors and the plants/ garden.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, your garden looks lovely now and you're right it's nice to think of your friends who gave you the cuttings. makes it extra special.
I'm sorry to hear that you had such a disappointment with the contractors and the plants/ garden.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, your garden looks lovely now and you're right it's nice to think of your friends who gave you the cuttings. makes it extra special.
It has been a saga for you, but looking good now..thanks to your wonderful friends and hard work on your part..a shame the contractors didn't carry through with what they promised
ReplyDeleteMaybe your friendship garden has turned out for the best after all.. It ceratinly looks like its doing well.
ReplyDeletehow is the place across the road going??
The trees will grow into clumps and form a virtually impenetrable wall for security and privacy that is beautiful and ran me around $36.00. Now that is a deal if you ask me.fence cost
ReplyDelete