Render over damp blockwork - or what ?

[BrianA]

Hi folks

Eight years ago now, I built a working area (shed, potting bench etc) at the bottom of our garden. Our garden slopes and has a nice view, so the area is sunk about 1 metre below ground level. The uphill edge is lined with external grade blockwork laid horizontally - see pic below.

This is stable enough and has served well until now. However, SWMBO has decided that a) it would be nice to have a small seating area there and b) it has become unsightly. So I have been commanded to make it look nice

My first thought was to just clean it up and cement render it, but given that there is no cavity and generally-wet earth on the other side, I'm not sure that that would last long.

What would the experts recommend ?

TIA

Brian

 

[noseall]

Render will spoil very quickly as will most decoration - cladding included. That's why we invented bricks.

 

[BrianA]

So, are you suggesting bricks are the answer ?
Trouble with that is that, allowing for a cavity, that's 200mm lost.
Any better options ?

 

[stoneme]

Clematis?