When I mentioned I was building an garden outdoor sink, a friend asked who would ever need one. The answer is: anyone who spends real time in their garden.

The unit is wall-mounted against the house, positioned so wastewater drains directly into the existing outside drain. It does not rely on a mains water connection to function — a garden hose feeds it perfectly well. The design allows it to be shifted when access to the side alley is needed, so nothing is permanent or obstructive.

Cleaning tools, rinsing produce, washing hands without trooping back through the house — it is one of those small upgrades that changes how the whole garden works.