IT'S ALL LOOKING

 Untidy!

All the box cut and most of it cleared out but still roots to dig up and general tidy to see the space.

For the moment we will leave the box hedge at the side of the entrance.

Of course not being ones to start one project when we can add another to the mix, we also cut back the hedge by the folly!

and removed the trellis that was forming a roof to help with shading.

Before way to lychgate.

Now! We have cut back the tops of the hedge on the right because we intend to make another wall to the folly along here with a window. We have also cut back the two yew trees that stood each side of the lychgate entrance, they had grown so big and made the opening very small and quite dark.

A window will be around this area allowing you to see in as you pass by. But still keeping the area shaded.

Paul dug most of the roots up this morning.

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Up on the right of the photo you can see a head of David on a column, he's been there for years. We also have a statue of Venus who resides in the house garden and I have often wondered about moving her to stand on the left of the lychgate entrance.

So here she is standing on the left.

Seen from the seat in the cloisters. I thought she looks good there. However along comes daughter number two, who says that they are both looking to the left over into next doors garden, which then draws your eyes left! I have to say in all the years David's been spying on the neighbours it's never made me join in!

She suggests they go up the other end beside the seating. I resist for a while then decided to move Venus since she is not as heavy as David and see how she looks.

Of course, she looks good! She looks good in most places!

David however is somewhat hidden by the rose arbour but he can be seen when sitting or crossing the space. 

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From the cloisters. 

Alas I will have to move the standard David Austin rose, Molineux, which has stood in the centre for the last fifteen years. But the fountain/pond needs to go in the centre, so the rose must be moved.

I am trying to find just the right spot and will have to hope it recovers from being moved the wrong time of year.

So still some roots to be moved, a home to be found for the rose and then measurements can be taken and sites decided on, then it's time for the next stage!