Fire Pit & Mediterranean Garden Project - Cobble Walls & New Plants

Today’s video is an update to my Fire Pit garden project series as I make a start on my raised walls flanking the entrance down into my sunken patio area. Using some reclaimed (and very cheap!) cobbles, the goal is to create a very rustic & instantly aged wall using lime mortar, curving lines and a mixture of stone sizes and I'm happy it's coming together! I appreciate it may not be to everyone's tastes, with others preferring a more evenly structured wall with level courses etc but for me, I really want to capture that tumbled down and quirky feeling in a small section so there'll be no string lines or spirit levels in sight! I also look at the new palm, yucca and cordyline plantings in the raised beds. Join me again soon for some more walling and a look at some of the alpine & arid style plants which will be filling in the gaps in the wall and tumbling over it...
0:00 Intro
1:28 Fire pit project update and cobble wall positions
8:24 Cobble walls raised bed progress
11:49 New plants in the arid / Mediterranean garden full sun raised beds
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[@TheLittleGreenBee]

You can really see where you’re going with this area now,can’t wait to see it put progress

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, that's what motivates me so much! Another vid coming out later today...

[@davros2128]

George this is looking amazing!!! Love the rustic look, already looks like the wall has been there for years! And the video editing is on point! We all love watching the progress of the build throught out the video as well!! Keep it up!! Gunnera is already huge and the season has only just started lol! Well done!!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much, that was the goal so I'm pleased it's got that aged feel before I soften it further with plants. Cheers, I didn't have much time to put this video together but tried my best - the walls are really starting to come together now! The Gunnera is taller than ever, it's always an early season grower but it's certainly vigorous this year! I hope you're enjoying some time in the garden and I'll have an update online later on.

[@maxthecat14]

I Have been trying to clear away the winter rubbish from my garden today. It's slow going as i am still getting over a nasty virus, and having to learn to pace myself. It's a treat to watch someone else working hard, and seeing results i haven't had to work at. It's going to look so lovely when the wall is finished.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, that’s very kind of you to say and I hope you feel better very soon. Pacing yourself is what it’s all about and just remember that you only see the moments of madness and productivity in my vids, not the quiet pottering and looking at different areas making my mind up. Great to hear you’ve been outside and sometimes starting with the smallest job or tidying up is the best way to find your energy once again. Take it easy and all the best 😊

[@maxthecat14]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thanks.🙂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

No worries, I hope you're feeling better this week and have managed to get some time in the sun this weekend.

[@tropiclaud]

The cobbles are everything…🥰 Lovely touch.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Ahh thanks, I'm pleased you like them! Wavy and wonky but I'm sure they'll look lovely when the weeds are out and the plants are in. I got some more progress made yesterday, I'll have another video up later on today...

[@TropicalDanUK]

Ive built walls out of rustic sandstone and also out of breezeblock and i much preferred the rustic building - no spirit level, no string line, just creatively selecting the right stones to fit and create a curved raised bed. Does always take longer than you think. The sense of immersion will be great in that space.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one Dan and I'm 100% with you on that! I did ponder spending a bit longer, trying to create more level courses and cutting blocks to suit but then I thought no, what do I want to do, can I really create an exaggerated sense of age etc., and what will will I enjoying building the most and this wonky, tumbled look is so much fun! I hope it really comes together when the beds are finished and the planting touches really tie it together, hopefully not long now...

[@fraserdavidson2366]

Looking fantastic George. Love how this is transforming the space. Inviting you in to the fire pit. Love everything about your garden. Only wish my mixer could go as fast as yours 😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you so much, more progress made yesterday and I'll have another video up later on! That's very kind of you! Yes, it's always great to have the turbo mixer on hand haha. Out of everything, it's hardly the task that holds me up though!

[@heatherfindler6950]

Starting to take shape George, looking good!!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much Heather, another update coming later today!

[@GrowTropicalMK]

Wow looking fantastic George. Go big or go home! fantastic grand designs.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I'm pleased you like it! Hopefully more progress very soon!

[@davidmackie7473]

Well done George, good effort and it is looking good.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Cheers, making the most of my free time, hopefully some more cobbles down this weekend!

[@Knobblytyressoggysocks]

Looks wonderful, George 👏 😊

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, it's very motivating seeing the visual progress now!

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

Superb work. Looks hard graft but very rewarding. The walls are gonna set the tone and define the spaces so well. The compacta looks fitting in that space. I have faith in the Spanish Bayonet yucca up here. Good luck for yours👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you Mr Calzone! I really enjoy this kind of playing about now most of the actual hard work digging and narrowing subsoil and crusher is behind me (for now) and visual progress is certainly rewarding. I'm pleased you like the plant selections and it was indeed your Spanish Bayonet success that influenced that choice. Thanks and I hope they both grow well!

[@craignorthern9480]

Hi George this is exciting stuff the wall looks great so far. I wish I had a garden as big as yours it's amazing 👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Craig, it's getting there! Cheers, we moved here for the garden haha so yes, it's a privilege and a responsibility!

[@Tminus89]

The walls certainly give your garden a new dimension, having the option of planting smaller plants near eye level is cool and the big ones will only look more impressive :)

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks and hopefully so! It certainly shows them off nicely and changes the feel of the area, you definitely feel secluded and surrounded by plants when you're in the patio area.

[@irismoles9369]

Well done George it’s coming along a treat now

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Iris, hopefully more progress very soon!

[@milkweeddreams8828]

WOW, just look at your foliage already, amazing...but you had me at the cobbles, totally love the look, so worth the wait and I do love the wonky wall, it just looks like it's been there awhile...I must have one...having just finished painting the last wall of the garage and only a few windows to trim out, my painting projects finished, I can continue counting all of the new banana buds and I just discovered French fried green bananas, delish with a dollop of ketchup...YUMM...my food forest is producing...Georgia peaches are done, as are the loquats, Mexican guava, passion fruit and persimmon are getting big, cassavas and moringa trees are in the ground...it surely can't be legal to have this much fun in the yard...right...CHEERS...!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hey, thank you so much and it sounds like you've got an incredible variety of exciting and edible plants growing amazingly as always! The French fried bananas sound like something I need to try! I'm pleased you like the wonky wall and hopefully when the plants go in it really softens the look further and helps the feeling of weathered age. You'd definitely be able to work one into your food forest I'm sure. I'm pleased you're having fun in the garden and I'm off to do the same but will have another video update online later on!

[@missdimples1982]

Looking amazing George

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much, I keep saying it’s coming together but it really is starting to now 😃

[@haroldbetterson1877]

Looks epic ❤

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, great to hear you like it! More progress very soon.

[@davecarden765]

Fabulous video George. A couple more specimens and you could possibly hold the national collection of wheelbarrows 😅

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much! Haha yes, one of them is borrowed from my neighbour, I've pretty much killed the silver one but you've got to be prepared for these jobs! (Arguably a digger and dumper 3 years ago would have been better prep!)

[@mrchuffy6535]

I planted six plants today and I am done! Good work George!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha cheers and great effort yourself! What have you gone for?

[@mrchuffy6535]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Dotted around a few seed grown Tetrapanax from two years ago that Angela grew and a few bits that had been sat waiting for a spot for a while!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one, hopefully you've had some more time out there this weekend! After a busy week with work I managed to make some more progress with the cobbles yesterday and will have an update vid up later...

[@richardjohnson7984]

Fantastic George! i hope one day you will consider opening your garden up like Yorkshire Kris does, it would be great to come and see it in the flesh when it is all done (although as a gardener myself on a smaller scale it is NEVER 'done' ! 😀

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Richard and you're right - although with projects like this, there is at least a point where the hard landscaping will be relatively complete (eventually!). It's something I've considered now and again and I'll be sure to let you know on here and my Facebook page if I do decide to go for it. I hope you enjoy some garden sun this weekend!

[@PaulConnor100]

Well done! George your definitely making good progress while the sun shines 👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much! When I’ve got a day to spend on it I make the most of it, sun, rain or hail 😂 It’ll all be worth it in the end!

[@NikNakGB]

Looks great, I think I'd have been tempted to lay a few of those long cobbles vertically to add extra interest, plus it might have helped you deal with the gradient.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks and that is a great idea! Personally I wanted to keep them horizontal to match the flow of the rest but if I was trying to create a standalone wall, I'd definitely be tempted to have a top course of smaller vertical cobbles to finish it off. I may just have some scattered across the bank to give the impression of a tumbled down one soon, we'll see...

[@user-oz5ip9nr2w]

Well done! Looking good.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@johnjee1627]

Fantastic George well done, I can't be the only fan noticing your Jubaea retaining wall its close can see subsidence in the future , only saying

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks John! Don’t worry, that one will only be going a couple of courses higher and they’ll be staggered back - when I gestured at the height it wasn’t quite accurate on camera and it won’t be vertical, more like a 10-20% lean. More of a cladding to the bank than a retaining wall as such 😊

[@liamfinch4129]

You are building an important garden which enthusiasts will love!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Liam and hopefully, that’s the goal! A balance between growing cool plants because I want to, some experimental / quirky bits with personality and then views and spaces with genuine beauty. Something to aim for 😃

[@palmsexoticsuk2194]

It’s coming along very nicely, George! Looking forward to seeing it continuing to progress

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much, there's no rushing it but equally I'm keen to get more cobbles done soon and get the edgings to the other raised beds done which will be an exciting time!

[@emerico2278]

Hello Georges Great video, as always Just a little tip, try to cross your rows of stones like you made for your concrete blocks. It will be much more robust.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and thanks! Yes, barring one or two joints all the stones are in a stretcher / running joint pattern otherwise the wall would definitely be very weak. With the cobbles being irregular shapes and the 'faces' at the front, there's maybe some stones that appear to have the joints overlapping but there's actually a great width of cobble hidden by the mortar joint. It's not going to be much taller or retaining soil as such but I still want it to be durable and stay upright.

[@samanthalonghurst-howes1465]

The new walls are looking amazing! You should be very proud of the beauty that you are creating. I love the new addition of the Cordyline Australis - what a beauty. Can’t wait to see your next video. Much love to you and your family. Love seeing your little dogs. They are so cute. Xxx

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Samantha, that's really kind of you and I'm pleased you like the walls and Cordyline! Update video coming up later today and the dogs once again have a small feature you'll be pleased to hear. I hope you're having a great weekend in the garden and catch you later.

[@johnjee1627]

Thanks George very helpful my gunnera planted 2022 you did say in earlier vlog 3rd year they will zoom. Keep up your vlogs so helpful.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks John, I'm pleased you enjoy the vids even whilst they're currently focusing on my projects. Yes, a lot of plants really tend to set off in that third year once they're established - hopefully your Gunnera grows rapidly with the blend of sun and rain we're currently getting!

[@shineamenmbs3107]

You reached your goal, the wall is not straight! Hahaha! I like it with that wildness and roughness... (may be leaning a bit too much though?) A pleasure to have a tour with you. Amazing plants, from the huge Jubutia, to the colorful succulents. Max looks interrested, happy and satisfied! I like a lot the huge stones you've got at different places. Howard Harper-Barnes, great choice of music! Take care George, merci!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes indeed, there isn’t a straight line in sight but I’m hopeful it’ll look the part when it’s complete! I leant into the lean so to speak, mortared up the joints further and I like it, it mirrors the exit walls. The wall next to the Jubutia will be staggered / leaning too so I’m looking forward to seeing the overall effect. Thanks, the stones were worth the effort and I’m not surprised that a cultured gent like yourself would appreciate the music! Cheers, all the best to you too.

[@shineamenmbs3107]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thank you very much Georges, always a great pleasure to talk to you! That's right about the exit walls!👍 Leaning the wall near the Jubutia may prevent some pressure of the soil against the wall. I'm sure the overall looks will be perfect! 🙋‍♂🌿

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Bernard and after a busy week with work I managed to get some more work done on the walls, incorporating a bit more gradient and support for the Jubutia wall. It's really coming together now. I hope you're enjoying the sun!

[@shineamenmbs3107]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Amazing job you're doing Georges! The Jubutia will carry on growing safely ! Yes, rather sunny here too! Mid June, i'll visit La Presqu'ile de Giens again with my bro (Mediterranean climate). Cheers! See you! 🙋‍♂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Bernard, hopefully so! I'm pleased to hear you're enjoying some lovely weather and La Presqu'ile de Giens looks stunning, I bet you're counting down the days in anticipation. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time there.

[@geoffsweeney1728]

Well done looking fantastic

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks a lot Geoff, I'm pleased you like it!

[@Plant_Mad_Paul]

Looks great George always good to try your hand at things,, do like a little project myself

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Paul and of course, it's all about having a go! I won't pretend to have the time to be an expert at everything but so much of any project is about having the confidence to do it, doing a bit of research, getting the right tools together and having fun learning without worrying about making mistakes!

[@bellsibub9951]

Those cobbles are going to make that path look fantastic, yer vision is impeccable!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much, hopefully more progress very soon!

[@YorkshireKRIS]

Nice progress. Lots of work done and plenty of time to get the rest finished this year. Nice touch of classical music as well.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Kris! Concentrating on getting the cobbles down before it gets too warm and free time gets diminished over summer, hopefully some more progress soon. My music choices are often random and eclectic but I like messing around with them!

[@tonyworrall7379]

I love the progress George. The walls look as though they have been there for years already. I cleared a bank here and replanted with wild flowers and Red valerian has appeared from nowhere...well it is Wales!!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Tony, that's great to hear! Haha yes, Red Valerian pops up around here too (despite not being close to Wales!), sometimes it's great to enjoy some natural beauty as well as the more manicured and considered areas of planting isn't it. I made some more progress yesterday and will have another video up later on today, I hope you've had a great weekend.

[@NR19770]

Looking great George can’t wait to see it all done you’ve doing a top job!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, one step at a time but hopefully some more progress very soon!

[@henrywaterhouse6291]

Coming along. If you want to strengthen the back wall in front of the jubutia, mix subsoil with the lime, it'll do the job. I see you've used st Aster if you do any more, wrasselonne will give a darker colour, st Aster is one of the whitest of the hydraulic limes. Did you get it from Lincolnshire lime? They do all of them. Also don't worry about spraying the lime, I do a lot with lime mortar, if you use a 1/3 sharp sand in with 2/3 soft sand , it'll give a more natural look, but you'll be able to build higher as the mortar 'stands' up better, less water needed, especially with granite cobbles.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Henry, your advice and experience is valued as always and I appreciate you overlooking the general waviness of the wall! Yes, Lincolnshire Lime is certainly the cheapest place and they suggested the St Aster would be a good match for the sand here and is also the most consistently available for if I want to match up in the future. I'll definitely keep your soft sand tip in mind and whilst I did spray the walls, I won't worry too much going forwards. I do like working with it but that may be influenced more by creating an intentionally wavy and tumbled wall and the creativity the cobbles offer. I've got the wall to full height now and did use some additional blocks behind to secure it but I'm confident it works well. I hope progress is good with your garden!

[@kathrynleithall5906]

I like it! I'm all for the rustic natural look!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I'm really pleased you like it and the rustic style will definitely be a big feature as it develops! There'll be another update vid later today!

[@alanhunter2009]

All that work is making me tired, George. I'm off for a lie down.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha Alan, I hope you're recovered and ready for the next hectic video soon!

[@johnjee1627]

Well done George jubaea looks huge as all your plants how old are your gunnera mine nowhere as large as yours , great vlogs George very informative keep it going very helpful.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks John! Yes, the Jubutia has fattened up nicely since it went it. As for the Gunnera, the two either side were small divisions in spring 2020, the central plant perhaps a year or two older but a good rich soil, some shade and watering really help them size up in time so I'm sure yours will too! I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

[@ryanacar3773]

Maybe you can use small succulents as fillerplants like sempervivums and sedums. They would fit the arid theme

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks and that's exactly what I'm going to do! I've already got lots of both mixed in with the existing planting and some in pots ready to be planted out, hopefully not far off now!

[@ryanacar3773]

@GeorgesJungleGarden have you tried hardy cactus like opuntias. I planted mine in gravel and it's doing fine. It's now flowering hopefully I get the prickly pears. Seen loads on mount vansiuvius in Pompeii and there's a bunch of fruits

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, sorry I missed this one. I'm growing a few younger plants in pots and will experiment with more outside as they get bigger. They look cool with the fruits for sure!

[@wesleyhackney]

Wow you are one industrious dude! Very impressive progress on that wall. It’s really looking great and coming g together nicely. Not sure how humid it gets there but here in gulf breeze Florida zone 9a & living half mile from Gulf of Mexico it’s starting to get warm and humid with a capital H. Which makes projects like your ls better done in cooler weather. Anyway I admire your hard work and sharing it with us.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much and it doesn't feel like hard work now I'm getting onto the more creative elements of the project and seeing quick results! We don't get anywhere near as hot and humid as you but June always has the potential to be hot so for the weather as well as other reasons I'm eager to get most of the 'building' work done before it gets much warmer. I got chance to make more progress yesterday so will have an update vid coming later today!

[@wesleyhackney]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden looking forward to update

[@sallynolan5928]

Interesting video - I loved the new walls you are creating. May I ask is that a large Euphorbia Mellifera on the corner section?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Sally and thank you very much, it's slowly progressing now! It's actually a Euphorbia 'John Phillips', a very vigorous, tough and beautiful Euphorbia which has the most incredible honey scent right now!

[@sallynolan5928]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thanks George.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

No problem, it needs a good bit of space (probably more than I've given it!) but definitely well worth planting.

[@markgoodlad4669]

You'll be hired by Donald Trump soon with those wall building skills

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha oh dear! It's a great wall, the best, a great, great wall and build inexpensively...