Tim Dowling: I do have principles. Rule one is to avoid DIY at all costs

I do occasionally contemplate getting my toolbox out. But these are idle urges – I’m only too aware of the harm my past interventions have causedIt would be fair to say that none of the maintenance issues I’ve faced this year have fixed themselves. But many of them have become conveniently irrelevant – a testament to my DIY philosophy: First, Do Nothing.The collapsed brick wall is now overgrown with ivy, and all but invisible. The partially collapsed pergola remains in the same condition, but the wisteria it was holding up died, so it can carry on collapsing for all I care. Continue reading...