On 7th June, the first of our plants arrived from those amazing people at Mulu Nurseries

The afternoon, we dug the hole to plant the first of the large plants. We had to dig a hole 2' deep and 4' across. It was pouring with rain and the soil was heavy. I have never before and never since been that dirty.

The day after, my other brother-in-law came to visit and he helped dig the hole for the second large plant. (Similarly sized, but easier with three people and no rain)

In the photos, the large plant in the foreground is a Butia Capitata and the plant in the lawn in the background is a Chamerops Humilis.

Having invited my Brother-in-law over to help, we set about constructing the hut.

The frame for the large section was constructed on four 4"x4"x8' treated timber posts. The posts being to support the roof (once complete). The support posts are set in Metpost bolt-downs to save us having to dig anything into the ground.

The first step with any building is a good foundation. To this end, I spent several evening digging 21 holes (each 12"x12"x18") for the footings of the hut.

After I dug the holes, I then spent two or three days (including my birthday :( ) mixing concrete in a wheelbarrow and filling the holes.

The grey squares in the photo are the footings. The other action is my brother-in-law and I fixing the screening around the garden that keeps the cats in.