A Strange Collection of Supplies

The project began with several ordinary items spread across the backyard: bags of concrete mix, a large container, a garden hose, a trowel, and a pile of resealable plastic bags. Nothing appeared unusual on its own. Together, however, they made very little sense. Why would anyone put wet cement inside bags normally used for sandwiches and leftovers?

Tom had chosen a bare section of ground that had never looked particularly attractive. It was not large enough for a patio, and planting more flowers there would have made the garden harder to maintain. If you have reached the stage where you would rather enjoy your outdoor space than spend every weekend tending it, you may understand why he wanted something practical.

Instead of buying expensive materials or hiring a contractor, he had developed a much simpler plan. It would require patience, but not specialized machinery or advanced building skills. The plastic bags were the most important part, although their purpose would not become clear for some time. He placed them beside the concrete, checked the ground one final time, and began preparing the mixture.