Some time ago, in fact maybe a year or two I posted back about this plant that runs rife in the back garden of my parents. GrandadT gave us a little snippet years and years ago from a spot he nursed for years, for a tiny spot. Here in our soil though it went bonkers and its everywhere.
In flower its not so bad:

But it quickly takes over:

Around the back of our garage, it turned into a bit of a jungle. It was about 2 feet deep everywhere with this stuff, weed killer hardly makes a dent. So while Mother & FatherT were in Paris (doing to properly this time) for their wedding anniversary. Myself and MrsT were dog sitting, so thought we would attack it.
We stripped the area right back: (shame I forgot about a before picture)

Now to stop this bloody plant coming back, we got a weed proof membrane and covered the area, using various items to hold it down, with the aim of covering the area in heavy (40mm or so) pebbles.

Already put some plastic down and some light shingle around the bin area:

But with an estimated 3ton of pebbles needed, I feel something with an engine is needed

Considering 3 or so bulk bags or pebbles delivered, then hiring something like this:
http://www.minidiggerhirenorthamptonshire.com/page/kubota_u10_3aAt £60/day or £90 for weekend, quite a good price for saving my back.
Now we did consider digging down a few inches to set the stone down, but, that area is rarely used. We only intend to put a few pot plants about, just want to keep area open and looking ok rather than a jungle. We don't need it mega level, so considering just chucking the stones down on that membrane?
Thoughts? I'll prob remove a section of the fence to get a mini digger in, did think about a bobcat but they are about 4 times the price of a digger!
