Boatshed

Call it a whim, or stubborness, or yet another example of eccentricity….whatever the case may be, I decided last year that I would attempt to grow camellias in this unfavourable climate. The growing of camellias is a sort of family tradition and – perhaps as a result – I have become fond of them.

Early on there were a number of failures. Indigenous plants thrive in the salt air, but not much else.

I am pleased to report, however, that Japonica Bob Hope and Camellia Beatrice Emily have produced flower buds which look set to blossom in the next few weeks.

Sam will keep his camera close at hand to record further developments….

 

Mark, the master Tank-maker from ‘Betta Tanks’, delivered this  sturdy tank a few hours ago, and kindly helped Sam and me get it into place. We don’t yet have the appropriate plumbing – but even so, I think it looks comfortably at home.

Simon Scott returned to help his roofing apprentice with the installation of a little wind ventilator. The apprentice learned a new skill, in a fashion – and can now admire the ‘Supavent’ all day long, if he so chooses: such an elegant and homely device, which seems never to be at rest….and yet is most restful to look at.

Simon Scott, a man of knowledge, came for the day to help me install this unforgiving  -and to my mind,uninteresting –  material.

It serves its purpose.

Dad always maintained that there is no shame in calling in an expert – so that is what I did.

 

….fashioned from Ironbark and Cypress offcuts.

As Boatshed devotees might expect, it is solid, fixed immovably in concrete, and strong enough to withstand the most ferocious of king tides….

 

The barges went up nicely. It was a  productive Day, thanks to my excellent Team of Barge and Fascia Specialists.

Months of prevarication and mild anxiety vanished in a moment.

Next job: installation of the galvanised gutter and flashing.

And construction of a tank stand: the Ironbark posts are already set in concrete; Ironbark  beams  cut to size;  notches for the beams completed  (after much sawing and chiselling and general hardship) – and in short, it seems likely that another significant structure is about to emerge.

More of that next time.

The Team: Simon, Sam, Pete, Alex.

Thankyou!

Here is a plane from Dad’s collection: an old Stanley Block Plane 130, manufactured beween 1884 and 1955. The bevel faces upwards, and can be worked as in the photos – or else reversed, bevel still upwards,  to create a ‘bull nose’ (intended to reach awkward spots at the edge of whatever is being planed).

This little plane is a pleasure to use, and easily sharpened. I recently indulged in a not-entirely-necessary purchase: a set of Japanese water stones, which  provide an excellent sharpening surface, and have already justified the passing cost of retail therapy. Later on I will post some photos, along with a brief description of how they work.

The blade from Staney 130 was the first one I tried out on the water stones, and we now have one exceedingly sharp Boatshed Block Plane….