Isn't that forest boardwalk just divine? I took these photos a year ago very close to my Byron Bay home, in a nature reserve called Cumbebin Wetlands. My own backyard, although far, far smaller, shares many things with this nature reserve: it's climate, soil type, rainfall and native species. I, too, have paperbarks, ferns and palms and the peaceful, dappled light from tall rainforest trees shades my home in summer. I have dreamed of such a boardwalk in my humble little backyard... obviously on a slightly smaller scale!
And, it's doable... just not right this very second. We have limited funds right now and, even though I would use recycled timber, there would be costs involved... and, well, we have a few more pressing priorities than fulfilling my rainforest boardwalk dreams...
However, I'm all about making do. Working with the resources I have, and making the most of them.
There is a section of my garden (where the dream boardwalk would go!), that is a main thoroughfare for the children to-ing and fro-ing from sandpit to house. It is shaded by tall palms and the path is just bare ground that blows dust into the house, or creates mud in the rain that is then stomped on my carpet. Something needs to be done.
Then, just last week, we discovered this in our neighbourhood: Free mulch!!
A couple of wheelbarrow trips later, I am this much closer to creating a new pathway in that garden section from the free mulch and some spare pavers (also given away freely by a neighbour) used as stepping stones.
Ok, it's not a boardwalk, and it's not even finished yet, but it does the job, and I think it looks pretty. It blends with the surrounds and the little kids are loving it too. Let's call it a frugal boardwalk.
I'm still dreaming of my amazing, spectacular, backyard rainforest boardwalk... but right now I'm loving the reality of making do.
x
Megan
8 comments:
It looks great and is probably safer than a board walk. Children cannot fall off and scaries like snakes and redbacks cannot hide underneath. Just saw my first snake of this (and a million other) seasons and am a bit freaked out right now. Cherrie
Cherrie I have had the same thoughts re snakes hiding under my "dream" board walk... And we do get them here living so close to the forest. We have had eastern brown snakes in this backyard before, and I'm always on the alert. One was 1.8m long and had to be removed by a snake catcher... yikes! Scary stuff when you have little ones around.
Maybe it best I stick with my mulch path!!
x
Megan
oooI never even thought about snakes being a suburb dweller but your path looks lovely and the children will enjoy playing on the stepping stones. Well done,
xx
I created a similar walk using pavers and free stones, and it has added a certain appeal to my backyard. I like your little path better than a boardwalk.
Megan, your frugal boardwalk looks great. Well done. xxoo
Making do is not settling for second best, it's a part of the art of contentment. Bravo! Beautiful! And now that you have "made do" the dream doesn't seem quite as nice anymore because of the possible dangers involved. It's amazing that so many times we just don't think about all of the ins and outs of our dreams, we just want...:)Here's hoping that your path continues to bring you joy and peace.
It's paid for. That's the coolest part! It looks super!
That is exactly what I would have done if I were in your shoes! Great attitude and great choice! Can't wait to see more. Please keep sharing on this topic as it evolves.
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