Now that I was in full blown hard landscaping/design mode, it was time to address two long standing issues. The first matter was less pressing, but just as crucial to the 'Al Fresco' lifestyle... A bbq area.
In keeping with the curve theme I repeated an arch on the opposite side of the fire pit we created in Blazin' Squad. This was primarily to keep some consistency in the design of the space, creating a flower bed that would act as a barrier to the bbq area. What was still unclear in my head, was how I would carve out the designated bbq area. Whether I would be paving in a sort of staggered effect or decking the area with some sourced pallets.
From an affordability point of view the pallets would be cheaper, but I also knew I wouldn't need to buy too many paving slabs, so even new ones wouldn't break the bank. I finished my dug out arch by applying a thick layer of newspaper and an equally thick layer of wood chip mulch.
Next on the agenda was a long awaited new and improved version of #FindTheTable. I managed to find a clearance sale at b&q for a comparatively solid looking 6 seater table and chair set, for what I think was around £110. Most sets I was looking for at the time for that price were the cheap looking plastic sets or worn out second hand sets on Gumtree. I was always on the look-out for a real wood set as I have a major thing for wood work. Hand crafted, sculpted or just a general built structure... there has been an undying love since I was about 13. There are certainly more durable wooden table sets out there but I was happy with this find nonetheless.
So the Al Fresco dream from the beginning of my journey was truly alive and well. It's very hard to eat outside without a table to sit at (as you can imagine). Hopefully this table won't suffer the same fate as the last.
