I’m trying to rehome as many things as I can at the Convent – some of this is consciously not wasting. Another motivation is the desire to retain as much history as possible and make use of it in practical ways which pay homage to its heritage.

I’ve managed to find a number of different Church items in the garage, such as an old Church services sign, a processional cross and brass order of the mass plaque. An unintended re-use was when I made a garden bed just under the Chapel glass windows from a piece of timber which I later found out was from the kneeler section of a Church pew – quite serendipitous.

I’m also hoping the old curtains will make good braid or rag rugs for some of the many hallways. Every piece of timber or brick (or rock) seems to find a use somewhere.

All recyclable scraps go into one of two recycle bins and leaves and other garden clippings mostly end up there as well or topping up garden beds. A mulcher is the newest addition to help with garden refuse. I’m always seeking additional soil and mulch for the many (and growing) garden beds. This also cuts down on the tips to the trip and helps gobble up the seemingly never ending growth from the ivy.

My favourite reuse has been the old hardwood fence posts from the damaged section of fence that was replaced. It has already been used to expand the pumpkin patch and now to edge what was a pretty but unstructured bed near my bedroom verandah. The other posts are so heavy, I can’t budge them. They are edging the privet hedge bed for now, which required just a small nudge to get them in place. If all goes to plan and the fence is finally removed, there should be plenty of extra sleepers for both the side fence and maybe even the front wall. The wire mesh for climbers – chokos and cucumbers – was rescued from life as a grid enclosing the side verandah.

I have now grown quite fond of  the old wardrobes that were left post the auction of contents (‘cos no-one wanted them and were too big to move) and they are being relocated to the garage for storage. They are currently in full usage. I now don’t know what I would’ve done without them.

I’m not sure it’s legitimate recycling, but I also seem to have some sort of sewerage leak from a front pipe which I think is just from the waste pipe in the kitchen (does not appear to be the “worst” type, if you know what I mean). I have a call in with the plumber but in the meantime the roses are just loving it.

The Convent is a practical building and has been in a service role for over 80 years. It seems appropriate that she continues to “make do” where she can and I embrace her heritage.