Previously the roof was half asbestos and half corrugated plastic that had melted and twisted over time so the rain was getting in.

First we had to do some research to find the best materials for the job and which thickness of beams to use. We found some help on the Centre For Alternative Technology web site (www.cat.org.uk).

Then we set to work. Laying the foundation then a wooden deck for the floor of the shed. Next the carcasing which had to be thicker than for a normal roof because to the extra weight of the soil.

Once the carcassing was finished we had what looked like a good sized area of decking ready for a summer barbeque except for the fact that it's at roof height.

Then a layer of old carpet to cushion the plastic. The plastic was left a foot larger than the roof so it hung into the rain water gutter. We had to paint the plastic where it's exposed to the light and also stick flash banding along all the edges so water can't seep under it. Then another layer of old carpet to protect the plastic from being punctured by soil which goes on after the bricks have been laid along the edges. We used our own compost but didn't have quite enough for the whole job.

Then last of all the planting most of which we grew from seed. Alyssum, Aubricia, Thymus and a few others.

Now four years on it is a mass of colour. Most of the original plants have disappeared to be replaced by self seeded heather, pinks, lily, grasses, poppy and forget-me-not.