LOCAL. SEASONAL. SUSTAINABLE.

LOCAL. SEASONAL. SUSTAINABLE.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The Raised Bed Fence Project

These boxes are approximately 2 x 2 foot for the square ones and 2 x 4 foot for the rectangular ones. They are 2 feet high. We built them from 2 x 6 boards, and coated them with a natural product called Lifetime. It comes as a powder that you mix with water. It couldn't be easier to use and leaves the wood with a beautiful patina that brings out greens and pinks in the wood.


So the dirt arrived and the raised beds are in place. Leveling them and trying to place them in a semi-straight line were the most challenging parts of this project. But the payoff has been huge. I am really happy with the way they look. And now comes the fun part, filling them with plants.



Here is what the raised bed living fence looks like stretched out across the front of the yard. Neighbors seems to like it. Lots of folks have stopped by with complimentary things to say. We will eventually add one more four foot bed on the left side of the driveway and another on the right side of the yard.


So far I have planted a relocated Rosemary, a Nandina, and some low ground covers. I plan on adding a bamboo that I will move from the back yard and split into 2 or 3 plants. I don't intend to grow food in these beds, mostly evergreen, fragrant, screening plants. I can't wait to see how it changes as the plants grow over the summer. Come fall I'll probably move some things out and some new plants in. It'll be fun to change the window dressing.

4 comments:

Bangchik and Kakdah said...

The boxes are lovely even without plants. They will cheer up the whole place. ~bangchik

africanaussie said...

What a lovely idea, and they are jsut goign to look better and better. You will definitely add something to the neighbourhood!

Anonymous said...

That is SO beautiful! Much friendlier than regular fencing. I'm glad your neighbors appreciate it!

Carolyn said...

Just found your blog and added you to my Google Reader! Everything looks good so far. Looking forward to following your Farm!

Carolyn