We’ve pottered along this week, working on the area around the north gate close to the greenhouse. We’re putting in wooden shuttering to form beds between what will be grass paths and the veg patch, topping up the levels with soil laboriously screened for couch grass and stones. Progress has been interrupted by rain, Chris … More 11th November 2021

Chris has been sort of expecting a call over the last month from our contractors to say that the Americans have bought up our timber, the French have plundered our glass, the Chinese haven’t released our steel etc, but that call didn’t come and arrangements for the frame to start going up on Monday were … More 4th November 2021

It was bloody cold last night, and our first frost of the winter this morning. But lovely sunshine soon warmed us up and lifted our spirits. Bev even took her coat off, which is ritually worn over a fleece worn over pyjamas while we enjoy an early morning cuppa in bed. Onwards and Upwards, our … More 2nd November 2021

The greenhouse and cold frames are largely finished but Ben is still waiting for the reservoir pump, a victim of supply delays. The company, Alitex, is clearly doing very well with a healthy order book – our relatively small one was ordered in January – a wait of 9/10 months, Ben’s next two jobs are … More 30th October 2021

The morning after; time to tidy up and head off to the next job on Anglesey. Three of the Donegal posse: (L to R) Peter (Fergal’s brother), Fergal (the boss), and Steven. Real grafters!

The day started early with the arrival of the concrete pump, chewing up the neighbours’ bank as it manoeuvred in. It was in position with a full reach across the site before a steady stream of ready-mix lorries trundled in – ten in all over the morning, carrying about 80 cubic metres of concrete. The … More 26th October 2021

A big day at Clouds Garden Lodge! Terry the plumber arrived to do the pressure-test. He confirmed that there were signs of plenty of pressure – mainly in the vicinity of Chris … But he cheerily worked his way through the loops, regaling us with tales of his time as a firefighter and having to … More 25th October 2021

The guys have worked all weekend, mainly on laying the 28 loops of underfloor heating pipe. They’re a long way from home and we treated them to a meal at the Fox and Hounds, for a bit of welcome respite and nourishment. Surprisingly a glamorous blond appeared at one point – a girlfriend from Donegal. … More 24th October 2021

The combined radon barrier and damp proof course goes in above the polystyrene insulation: Then yet more insulation, to take its depth up to 300mm in places: The first steel reinforcement goes in, deeper around the edges and along the position of structural walls: And then the underfloor heating pipework is clipped to the reinforcement:

Nearly all the insulation is in place and the footprint forms a stark gash through the garden, giving an insight into how the white-rendered building will contrast with the wall. Progress has been slightly delayed by late deliveries – but not by the downpours – and this phase will now culminate with the concrete pour … More 21st October 2021