Thanks @scooty883 we have such a small space I’d be worried about losing more but it’s possible. We found someone who thinks they can build the wall and preserve the climbers at the back at least. The rest I’ll pot up ready to put back.
@Ffoxglove I'm sure you will succeed whichever option you choose. I actually install septic tanks(almost always in clients back gardens) so thinking outside the box and getting creative to hide the hideous covers. Gabian basket lined with slate/ crib wall to create a plant wall
Sleepers on end will tend to split at the top like that as the end grain absorbs water . Farmers put in oak gateposts with the end grain exposed and they last years and years, but they do tend to cut the tops on a slant to shed water or use lead/metal caps. Your sleeper doesn't look rotten in the picture, just split. As others have suggested, a waterproof wood glue and a clamp would possibly close that up. Plenty of preservative on the tops would also help maintain them. There are some good clear preservative wood hardeners around but you'd need to be careful to avoid anything that would damage the plants. Hope that helps.
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