Tackling the Patio

In anticipation of a larger family gathering here (4 out of 6 Broderick siblings) at the beginning of July, we began to tackle our plan to transform our patio into a more spacious outdoor dining area. We seem to have mostly finished unpacking, except for a number of model train totes, and our new pergola with louvred roof had arrived, so we couldn't wait to get started. 

It meant uprooting roses, clematis and ivy from the uprights, and pulling the wire fencing off the structure. It was pretty tiring and draining working in the heat, so we took a break with the idea of continuing during the cooler evening hours. When Dale came to tell me it was time to return to work, he found me sitting at my desk, hand on the mouse, fast asleep in my office chair.

Dale was able to reach the trellis without a ladder so it made the deconstruction all his job, while I hauled plants away and crushed the disintegrating roof covering into a bin.

We're pleased with how much more open the area looks, but some pavers need to be moved to fill the gaps after plantings were removed. We're pleased to have made some steps towards making the yard our own, but we have a long way to go yet.