Patio alternative advice

[Matt42]

Hi,

I had to rip out the decking as it was rotten but not sure how to progress as per photo.

My initial thought was to continue the grass up to the plant pot and put down coloured chippings instead of having another soil border. The problem is I have encountered 4 heavy slabs (I have removed 3) on each corner which after taking up I am wondering if they are there to stop the wooden sleepers from moving? If they are then how can I grass over them as there won't be enough depth for the soil? Is my presumption right? Also, I am open to other ideas what to do if anyone can give me some?

Thanks

Matt[/img]

 

[Matt42]

View media item 60347

 

[Matt42]

Bump!

 

[LeadFarmer]

Frame it with more sleepers and fill with soil to create a raised bed for plants or veg?

 

[Matt42]

That's not a goer with two boys under 5 unfortunately.

 

[dhutch]

That's not a goer with two boys under 5 unfortunately.

Why not? are they allergic to soil and fresh veg?

 

[Matt42]

Lol, do you have children or had and forgotten? The trail of destruction is much greater than construction currently, everything has to be higher than arm's reach!!!

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Lol, do you have children or had and forgotten? The trail of destruction is much greater than construction currently, everything has to be higher than arm's reach!!!

Amen brother!

 

[dhutch]

Lol, do you have children or had and forgotten? The trail of destruction is much greater than construction currently, everything has to be higher than arm's reach!!!

I'm 26 and do not yet have a family. However while obviously considerations have to be made, my parents had veg gardens throughout our childhood, and i'm aware of the capabilities of a 2yo. Worse case you could always construct some removable 18inch netting frames to bound it, my patents have similar as now there between dogs have issues with rabbits, which are far more destructive than 2yo's, although you can keep it somewhat under control by paying someone £20 to take some away,,,,

Or you could build a raised bed? A girl I knows mum runs a sheep farm which has diversified into running school trips, and they have a load of raised veg/herb beds which go down well with the kids, the younger ones just smell the smells and rip out stuff that isnt ready, but as they get older the can plant things and harvest things. You have to do some of it, and it doesnt always work out as well as if you did it yourself, but life goes on.

Failing that, you could indeed just grass it over, grass it always good, although it will take a year to become established (seed) or a year of watering and tlc (turf).

If your worried about the sleepers moving, knock some 1.5inch stakes in at each end. Its the top that will want to move.


Daniel

 

[leeco]

He might just be happy buying his veg from tescos.

 

[Matt42]

If your worried about the sleepers moving, knock some 1.5inch stakes in at each end. Its the top that will want to move.


Beginning to think along those lines. Where can I get stakes to hold the sleepers in place or alternatively can I just take out the sleepers or will the brick patio fall into the earth? Those sleepers are a past decorative theme, take up a lot of room in our garden

 

[dhutch]

He might just be happy buying his veg from tescos.

Your not doing it for the sake of three small, slight forked, all be more tasty carrots though are you.

 

[dhutch]

Beginning to think along those lines. Where can I get stakes to hold the sleepers in place or alternatively can I just take out the sleepers or will the brick patio fall into the earth? Those sleepers are a past decorative theme, take up a lot of room in our garden

I read that first time round as 'the sleepers are past being decorative' opps!

Stakes? Garden center, fencing supplier, BnQ if you really must.

The paving bricks are only thin, there may be concrete of simualar under the last few, but quite likely not, but you could replace them with edging stones like you have round the front.


Daniel

 

[LeadFarmer]

Lol, do you have children or had and forgotten? The trail of destruction is much greater than construction currently, everything has to be higher than arm's reach!!!

Then frame it with sleepers and fill with play sand instead. Then when the kids are older remove the sand and fill with soil.

 

[Matt42]

Thanks for your replies, conclusion is my wife wants grass so grass up to plant pot then a circular brick arrangement with the bit between the bricks and wall blue chips.

Some questions, if I remove those sleepers then the brick decking will fall apart, what can I use to keep it in place or is the sleeper the best option? Second, can I just lay blue chips over the soil? Third (sorry, just thought of another one) if I grass over will the new grass look completely different to the rest of the lawn, the existing lawn is small and patchy anyway so perhaps better to re turf the lot?

Thanks in advance