Any ideas how to tidy up these manhole covers?

[litwardle]

Hi all,

Moving into a new property, lovely garden with lots of potential right in the middle are these man holes! I assume the ground has sunk over time. Short of covering them up with some kind of wooden structure any ideas for making them look more unobtrusive?

Lee

 

[Becky]

You could create a decking area extending out from the patio - that would look very nice. Alternatively if you're looking for a short-term fix then how about some large pots?

 

[Beth_B]

Garden bench?
Or maybe some flowering shrubs or a stand of ornamental grass.

Now that I think of it, what the heck are storm drains or whatever they are doing in the middle of your yard? Usually they're on public easements and streets. You may want to check with your local sewer commissioner (or whatever the equivalent is there) to make sure you don't need to keep them accessible.

 

[Chuck]

@zigs , what are those things, some sort of old cistern?

 

[zigs]

Looks to me like they might be access to a septic tank, best check before covering them

 

[litwardle]

Hey all thanks for the replies and suggestions. It's perfectly normal here in the UK. It's access to the sewer and drainage system in case of blockage etc. The garden backs onto a wooded area and then farmers fields beyond. Ordinarily they would put the manholes (as we call them here) closer to the house rather than in the garden. I assume that it's the "end of the line" as it were so would have need put in prior to the house being built.

I would did wonder if I could take up some turf and add in some top soil to at least create a mound up around the adges to help them blend better. Looks like probably an easier thing would be pots or some kind of decking. As you say, will need to allow access.

 

[litwardle]

Looks to me like they might be access to a septic tank, best check before covering them

Rented property, move in next week. I believe it's on mains sewers..?

 

[Larisa]

You can buy a special decor for septic tanks. For example, like a stone. Around this can be planted low plant.

Or something to do with his hands, like this.

 

[Chuck]

Why not just remove the lid and see what's down there?

 

[litwardle]

Why not just remove the lid and see what's down there?

It's a sewer. I'm OK for that ha ha

 

[litwardle]

You can buy a special decor for septic tanks. For example, like a stone. Around this can be planted low plant.
View attachment 16571
Or something to do with his hands, like this.
View attachment 16572

that's genius! Live the rockabilly good idea with the wood. I'll seldom need access so that looks like a good idea

 

[DrCase]

They are kind of big for clean outs for a house .
I would lift it up like chuck said you might be able to make them smaller

 

[Chuck]

After much thought I have decided that what you have there are air and exhaust vents for an underground bomb shelter from the 1950's. The ultimate man cave.

 

[Becky]

I like your thinking @Chuck!

 

[Larisa]

I remember a few years ago I made an basket of willow. It was easy. I cut a few thick branches and put in of the ground in a circle. Then I took a long, flexible branches and wove between thick. I also made a handle for climbing plants. Unfortunately, I live in the city and can come to the country - house just for the weekend or on vacation. I'm poorly dried willow, and it took root. But if someone can keep an eye on it, it might look nice and free. This basket can also serve as decoration.