Last fall, we (as in I) decided that we really need raised beds. There were a variety of reasons for this, most importantly our big boys are growing up and moving away or getting jobs that keep them from being here when I need them. Also, as I look to the future I see that in 10-15 years we’re probably not going to as agile as we are now. I want the garden to be something I can do on my own, if I need to.
So we slowly began building a box here and a box there. We bought a small wood chipper because I really want wood chip walk ways so we don’t have to mow the garden and began slowly making walkways.
Then I saw what Gretchen, over at Backyard Farming Connection, was doing. I fell in love with it. Go ahead and click on over. You can see her raised beds in the header picture and also in the post.
And so, as my husband has been cutting down some large menacing trees we’ve been building some beds.
Look at what they’ve done to our swiss chard! We had rain off and for two weeks and then we went out of town for a few day. This is what we came back to. Here’s what it looked like just 2 weeks ago. I do hope it makes it to flower as I want to collect the seeds.
I think the apple tree is a little confused. So is one of the plum trees we. We planted them this spring so I guess it takes a year or so for them to adjust.
I think the pink flower is a type of Zinnia. We started putting wood chips in our garden area this year and so far we are pleased!
Thanks. I’ve read quite a few people using wood chips in their garden. We’re only going to use them in the walk ways. I’m interested to know how they work out for you.
Your pink flower is a zinnia. They grow profusely here. Love planting a mess of ’em!
Love the rustic look of those raised beds!
I guess I’ve never looked a zinnia quite so closely. It’s in an area that we haven’t ever watered so I’m pretty excited about that. I’ll be throwing out lots of seeds so hopefully we’ll have a feild full over time.
Ha! I had to laugh about washing the kale. I know what you mean!!! But there must be some protein in there somewhere!
yeah, that’s what my husband says. I was ok until I saw all the “droppings”.
Your garden look lovely! Thanks for the shout out! We were unsure of our garden beds until we built them – now I LOVE them.
Thanks, Gretchen. I love the look of the log raised beds so much. Thanks for the inspiration!
We started a couple of raised beds this year. We will add more next year. So far I like our new garden.
Great way to use trees 🙂
Thanks for sharing with the HomeAcre Hop. Hope you join us again!
http://www.mittenstatesheepandwool.com
I really like raised beds, too. I’m hoping to add some soaker hoses to make watering easier. Thanks for hosting, you guys do a great job managing it.