I was going to post about the progress of the plants at the front of the house but whilst collating photos for it I've noticed that we haven't featured the railings we installed in the same area earlier in the year. So the plant post will have to wait for a little while for a little railing interlude.
Now the space at the front of our house is tiny as most of you know, and we have to be extra creative and resourceful to make the area nicer and distinct from our neighbours. So far we have added several plants in blue pots and in September last year we planted a cherry tree in the ground. So far so good and we're not doing too bad in introducing plants to the limited space that we've got without sacrificing parking. However a little push further with jazzing up the front never did harm.
We've been considering putting up railings for a long time but never managed to until recently. Mainly because we weren't sure how our next door neighbour will react at the restriction of having railings on one side of their parking space. We took our time choosing the design we liked as there are a wide range of metal railings available. Second is the effort of putting one, as it will involve digging, chipping away at solid concrete, and cutting metal. But as if we're not used to hard work...
But it's our place so why be so bothered with our neighbour's thoughts when the railings will be within our boundaries? Also, railings will nicely demarcate our property, will be sympathetic to the age and style of our house (1930's), and another way of adding that 'extra' without using up too much space.
So one spring weekend we just went ahead and installed the railings.
We're really pleased with the end result and even Knickers seems to approve!
Going back to the cherry tree, we were sent a solar garden uplighter by the kind folks from The Solar Centre to try and review. First of all, the appeal of a solar light was there as it won't involve wiring back into the mains of the house hence installation will be quick, in minutes actually.
The solar panel itself is discrete and almost disappears amongst the pots and the light itself looks contemporary. For the size of the light, it is powerful enough to softly illuminate the cherry tree once dusk hits for a good few hours.
The verdict is still out how long will it light up once the very short length of daytime in winter fully kicks in. But more likely it will not be long as we're noticing it shortening already as it is. Still we think it's a great product for soft illumination and with a performance a very good improvement from your usual solar lighting.
And back again to the railings, much to our pleasant surprise our neighbour was the first one to complement our new addition. Even their visiting parents went out of their way to talk to us and complement how it enhances our house. Other neighbours too said the same.
Up next soon will be an update on the plants at the front of our house!
Mark :-)
Now the space at the front of our house is tiny as most of you know, and we have to be extra creative and resourceful to make the area nicer and distinct from our neighbours. So far we have added several plants in blue pots and in September last year we planted a cherry tree in the ground. So far so good and we're not doing too bad in introducing plants to the limited space that we've got without sacrificing parking. However a little push further with jazzing up the front never did harm.
We've been considering putting up railings for a long time but never managed to until recently. Mainly because we weren't sure how our next door neighbour will react at the restriction of having railings on one side of their parking space. We took our time choosing the design we liked as there are a wide range of metal railings available. Second is the effort of putting one, as it will involve digging, chipping away at solid concrete, and cutting metal. But as if we're not used to hard work...
So one spring weekend we just went ahead and installed the railings.
We're really pleased with the end result and even Knickers seems to approve!
Going back to the cherry tree, we were sent a solar garden uplighter by the kind folks from The Solar Centre to try and review. First of all, the appeal of a solar light was there as it won't involve wiring back into the mains of the house hence installation will be quick, in minutes actually.
The solar panel itself is discrete and almost disappears amongst the pots and the light itself looks contemporary. For the size of the light, it is powerful enough to softly illuminate the cherry tree once dusk hits for a good few hours.
The verdict is still out how long will it light up once the very short length of daytime in winter fully kicks in. But more likely it will not be long as we're noticing it shortening already as it is. Still we think it's a great product for soft illumination and with a performance a very good improvement from your usual solar lighting.
 |
| The completed railings (taken back in March) |
Up next soon will be an update on the plants at the front of our house!
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
The railing looks very nice and I'm impressed that you did the work yourselves! And impressing the neighbors, your parents AND Knickers - there couldn't be a better endorsement.
ReplyDeleteOverall it was rather fun and fulfilling putting it up! Not so much the concrete hole digging and hacksawing though!
DeleteThe railing really adds a nice touch to your front space. Looking forward to seeing what you did with plants out there!
ReplyDeleteJust shows there still scope for improving even a small space!
DeleteI love the idea of the railings and what we could see. Any chance one of you might go stand in the street and take an overall shot? (Pretty please?)
ReplyDeleteWill do, hopefully soon :)
DeleteVery smart - and well worth doing. Amazing what a difference it makes already!
ReplyDeleteThanks Janet :)
DeleteI totally agree with your neighbours, the fencing looks very stylish and makes a real impact. Brilliant job, boys!
ReplyDeleteThanks Caro!
DeleteHopefully there are some vining plants on those railings now... Really nice job!
ReplyDeleteNo climbers Alan but a few leaves going through between the railings are there :)
DeleteOh, this is exciting -- can't wait to see the plants inside their new railing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise!
DeleteOur house came with a similar arrangement and I love our railings. It's amazing what a difference those finishing touches make to a garden - well worth all that effort with the concrete!
ReplyDeleteSeems like the neighbors are equal beneficiaries of your hard work and good taste. No wonder they approve.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for railings and fences (that's why we put up a low fence around the front yard). There's something very comforting to me about delineating your property. Your solution looks awesome. And now you have me looking for solar-powered uplights...
ReplyDeleteRicki's comment echoes my own sentiments. Makes me wish I too, had neighbors like you!
ReplyDeleteYou've done a lot with very little space. Glad the neighbors like it, too.
ReplyDeleteI love the light, I love the railing! Great job!
ReplyDeleteWill be interested to hear how the solar lighting copes with low winter light levels. Ours are great this summer ... but time will tell!
ReplyDelete