Thank you Nick that does sound a good way of doing things, I am still not
convinced that I can do it on my own but I expect I can get hubby to help or
do it for me :-) We do have one of those - post banging in things - very
useful it is too.

I like your idea Sacha, I know that I can do that and I know just where I
can out one, job for the winter. I have an old tree stump which is hollow so
last year I put some earth into it and grew thyme on the top, that makes a
lovely seat.

thank you both

kate



However, this is how you could do it, easily.

Get some 3'x2" round, treated posts, pointed at one end. You will
need at least 8, and perhaps 12. If you can get a post protector
(like a tin can with one end out, only of fairly heavy steel), that
would help, but I have never found one. Hammer them in until they
are level and the right height (be careful, both of the ends and
the level and height), and nail the top onto them with 4" nails.

To make the top, cut 4-6 sections for a hollow circle, octagon or
hexagon and fix them together with 8-12 6" metal strip connectors
and zinc plated screws on the bottom. O-level geometry helps with
the cutting, and you may have to lie on your back to fix the last
two joints around the tree. And, of course, the position of the
posts needs to be matched to the sections, for stability.

You need something like 2" timber for the top. Treatment is not
as critical as for the posts, but untreated deal won't last long.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.