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This splendid, sunny, afternoon was squandered on a Gardman arch. The artefact came flat packed for self assembly. I’m sure I don’t need too say much more. I’m certainly not inclined to describe the full process. Perhaps I am obliged to mention that when eventually assembled the thing fell to bits before it could be moved from the concrete patio to the prospective site spanning the Brick Path as a replacement for the fallen maple and wooden beams that had recently held climbing plants and hanging baskets.
The day was as hot as it has been on recent days. So was the debate which ensued over reassembly. Eventually we heaved it into place in one piece. Four holes had to be pierced in the stubborn soil. Roots and rocks provided considerable obstacles. One side collapsed again. Eventually this was reconstructed. Except for the two missing pieces.
A search was undertaken. I then remembered that the section had fallen into the West Bed. Jackie found the two small bars in the undergrowth. One had found its way to the fence.
The construction was, because of the aforementioned impediments, very lopsided. The Head Gardener couldn’t live with that, so further bashing of poles ensued. In the process the guide rod got bent. But we managed and it wasn’t too much out of kilter when we decided that, once covered with foliage it wouldn’t be too apparent.
Jackie then trained the rescued clematis Montana and blue solanum, to the still rather wobbly frame.
After clearing the debris I thought the job was done.
No such luck. A string of solar lights provided the finishing touches. There are hundreds of these throughout the garden, giving the darker evenings their essential fairyland quality.
Danni joined us for dinner this evening when we all enjoyed Jackie’s splendid lamb jalfrezi and pilau rice topped with almonds. The culinary Queen drank more of the Cabernet Sauvignon; Danni, Elizabeth, and I drank Western Cape Malbec 2017.
Yikes! Top marks for persevering you two! Note to self, don’t purchase a Gardman arch. However there is now another job for you to do – the garden a-twinkle with fairy lights in the evening must be photographed and blogged about………. Thank you kindly in advance xo
I thought someone would ask for that – it might as well be you. 🙂 Thanks very much, Pauline
You two make a great team, Derrick! I certainly hope you’ll capture a few photos of the twinkling lights. I’ll bet it beautiful!
Looks like I’m gonna have to, Jill. Many thanks
Such a job Derrick! It looks so nice and the plants will do well I am sure! It will be fun to see next Spring!
Thanks very much, Lynn
I love watching you and Jacki in the garden
I thought for a moment Jackie was wearing my top to do her vine weaving, but after further scrutiny it seems to be a similar one. Love the floral pattern though!
I’ll vote that every flat pack made from here on should include a series of your pictures showing how to assemble it.
Both laughing over here, Susan. Many thanks
Very impressive, Derrick. Love the title!
Many thanks, Ann. Glad you liked the title
You do know that you make me drink more, right? Every time I read about your dinner and the wines you try I go offline and look for my wine glass. 🙂
It is a bit infectious. That’s why we don’t allow cigarette adverts any more. thanks very much, Bridget
I’m sorry, Derrick, but I did laugh at the path your afternoon took! I’m sure it’s a familiar tale to many home assemblers. The end result is worth it though, and as usual, you had a wonderful dinner accompanied by delectable wine to help revive you.
No apology needed, Jane. I like to raise a laugh. Many thanks
One finds with sorrow that a simple-seeming arch takes a lot of assembly and erection skills!
And then you have added de light!
Nice pun, Leslie. Thanks a lot
Jackie’s efforts over the wobbly garden arch definitely paid off, and final result with fairy lights and all, looks wonderful.
Thanks very much, Ivor
Jackie is quite serious about the job on hand. It would be nice though when those hanging vines cover the arch.
Thanks very much, Arlene
That was a let down 🙁 Thought we were going to hear about your feet : 😈
Gotcha! 🙂 Thanks a lot, Brian
Oh how wonderful!!! 🙂 Please tell Jackie she did a superb job! She does beautiful work! and I’d love to see night photos of the magical fairy-lights! 🙂
After reading your blog, the title made me laugh! So glad we didn’t have to hear about feet! 😛
HUGS!!! 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn. Jackie is pleased, too. Glad you got the title. 🙂 X
It makes me wonder if anybody’s ever used a children’s climbing frame to train plants over?
What a good idea, John. Thanks a lot
You two are a great pair!! Such determination and stamina to get the job done.
Many thanks, GP. There was the occasional expletive 🙂
That’s all?!!
🙂
The splendid dinner was well-deserved. What a process! I like the photos of Jackie in all the greenery.
I will add to the others above about wanting to see the fairy lights in your garden. 🙂 We have some that are looped around the railing outside our kitchen door. It makes me happy to see them glowing in the dark.
Many thanks, Merril. Having trouble setting the camera for this, but will persevere
🙂
I would love to see the lights, too!
The pressure mounts 🙂
oh dear, good on both of you.. you got it done !
🙂 Many thanks, Dymoon
Perfect🌹
Thanks very much, Nidhi
🤗
Great team, the project turned out beautifully and brings balance back to the garden. I love the look of arches framing garden walkways. Missed seeing your gardens – happy to see you both ad well. Happy Fall!
Thanks very much, Mary. You too
take some evening shots, would love to see it all lit up, can imagine the utter beauty and whimsy of it all <3
I’ll do my best. Many thanks, Kim
All’s well that ends well. But how frustrating that must’ve been!
You bet. Thanks very much, Rosaliene
Wow – that first arch photo was looking bleak – but it turned out lovely – despite the expletives – lol. How is it that we’ve never had a night photo? From the upstairs window, perhaps? . . . : )
I haven’t got to grips with taking the camera off automatic. Must do better. Thanks very much, Jodie
We are a demanding lot.
Wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂
Congratulations to you both. 😀 … add my voice to the ‘fairy-lights pictures please’ chorus. 🙂
I’m just gonna have to learn how to use my camera off automatic. Thanks a lot, Widders
Jackie is the soul of this garden!! Send a kiss for her!!!!!!!!!!!!
Absolutely. Will do. Thanks very much, Efi
A good job done! The night time illuminations sound a fantastic touch.
Thanks very much, Helen
You have a big bag full of wonderful pictures…!!!
Thousands 🙂 Thanks very much, Shreya
I could feel the frustration of hoisting a wobbly assembly such as that. But as the Bard said, all’s well that ends well.
🙂 Thanks very much, Uma