New Rock Garden and Greenhouse - Ardivachar

[Chris Johnson]

... but I think I won't live long enough ...

Wrong mind-set Angie, and you don't look old enough. I say live today as if it's your last but plan as if you're going to live forever.

Unfortunately the digger is not mine. That's some 'challenging' terrain in the picture.

If you do find your way over here, could you bring a shovel? 

Chris

[Chris Johnson]

The turf has now been removed - the easy bit.

The images were taken about two weeks ago before the end of the wettest winter on record. I have never seen the sandy machair retain so much water.

The site for the greenhouse has been pegged out and work is due to start next Monday.

[Chris Johnson]

A couple of weeks of better weather has dried the plot out.

We have made a tentative start cutting through the tangle of grass and perennial roots, but after that it will be sand.

[Chris Johnson]

With three weeks of good weather we have made some progress on the greenhouse base. The footings are in and the base completed. The eight stainless-steel anchor rods are set in resin.

[angie]

Look at that wonderful blue sky and what a beautiful view 

Angie 

[Matt T]

Here I am mixing wee barrow-loads of concrete to finally wind/sheep-proof our veg patch, and your alpine garden is moving forward at an impressive pace in Aird a'Mhachair. Looking good!

[Chris Johnson]

Look at that wonderful blue sky and what a beautiful view 

Angie 

It's been a remarkably 3-week spell after an appalling winter, giving us time to catch up on some delayed tasks. It's chucking it down today 

[Chris Johnson]

Here I am mixing wee barrow-loads of concrete to finally wind/sheep-proof our veg patch, and your alpine garden is moving forward at an impressive pace in Aird a'Mhachair. Looking good!

Thanks Matt.

We have made good progress - more images soon.

[Steve Garvie]

A very exciting project to follow!
Thanks for posting!

Your greenhouse will have great potential for superb ventilation assuming it doesn't take to the air.
Is that where the stainless steel anchor rods come into play?

[Chris Johnson]

... Is that where the stainless steel anchor rods come into play?

Quite  ... and with a ten-year guarantee.

They don't make a true alpine house but it has ample ventilation for here.

[Chris Johnson]

They have now started on the walls. Bricks are scarce and expensive on the islands, so breeze-blocks will have to do. I insisted on best quality and they haven't let me down. The contractor is a rare individual who keeps the site tidy and brushes up after the days work.

[Chris Johnson]

The twin blockwork is now complete and the internal wall for the plunge bed is almost complete. It will then be shuttered for a concrete capping to bring it to the required height for the greenhouse.

[David Nicholson]

Coming on nicely Chris.

[ArnoldT]

Chris:

What is the orientation of the greenhouse.

[Chris Johnson]

Coming on nicely Chris.

It's pleasing, David.