New arbour for the garden

We have splashed-out on a new arbour for the garden, to replace the one we bought in 2004. That one needs some TLC - new velcro on the cover and rust removal/repainting.  It suffered quite badly in the last few terrible summers we have had, it was designed for hot dry weather! (weren't we all).

Here it is, with guy lines for the moment, until we can fix it down with pegs into the ground. As we are going to place it next to the dead-hedge, we need to cut off the tops of the reinforcing rod that we have used to support the dead-hedge.  The white stuff on the ground to the left is fleece covering an area that has been re-seeded with grass seed - we raised the level over the fosse. The wooden  furniture I bought second-hand last year ad have not had time up till now to get it out and give it a good coat of linseed oil. the table and four chaitrs done now, just two more chairs to go.

So we tested it out this evening, just as the sun was going down behind the workshop. Good dinner - sea bass baked over roast peppers, garlic and potatoes.  You can see the bits of metal that need trimming off MUCH more clearly in this picture!