This photo should suffice as the "before" renovation of the weedy plot in the corner of my back yard. The pavers to the right will be employed to make some raised beds.
You can see an old child's chair in the mix. You may even see some random daisies (there used to be a little walkway in all of this). Oh, what lowly state I've hit! The only good news about it is that it is a lovely retreat for animals. :) All of them. Snakes too. :/
@darylo If they have no where to hide I imagine they will. We don't have snakes in New Zealand. The thought of them terrifies me. I guess if they are around you get used to them. Good luck you have a big job ahead of you but it will be rewarding to see the change.
