The Raised Garden Bed Project

 

I'm not sure if Jim began work on the raised bed because he was tired of hearing me clamour for one--or if he suddenly decided it was a valid idea.

I let him know that I was researching online for the kind that are shipped in pieces to be assembled. I got out a yardstick to approximate the sizes offered and was debating whether the largest available would accommodate the plants I have in mind.

Jim rather off-handedly announced that he could construct something better from materials on hand.

The sides are 16 ft long insulated vinyl-clad panels left from partitioning the barn to make the heated/cooled workshop area. The interior width is slightly over 3 ft. 

 

J. decided that the best and most economical way to fill the bed was to place baled hay in the bottom. Last Tuesday [27 May] we drove in the car to the S. Fork area to make inquiries and found that the local Amish Feed Store had baled hay for sale. Back with the truck to collect it, returning just before a light evening rain.

Raised bed in place, planting bins and greenhouse beyond to the left.

On the right is my double row of sunflowers. 

My plan--which may have to be mulled for awhile--is to place a rustic fence just beyond the sunflowers, and when they are done blooming, that strip can be tilled and used to set in some of the many seedlings of foxglove, lemon monarda and such which are growing in greenhouse pots.

I expect I shouldn't make too much noise about this phase until later.

Yesterday [Monday] after a consultation with son-in-law M. we headed into town to a local rather upscale 'seed and feed' that sells topsoil, mulch, and compost by the 'scoop' load.

As we neared town our grandson D. pulled onto the road behind us, just leaving his apartment. At the stop light--J. in the right hand turning lane, D. in the left--D rolled down his window and shouted, 'Mexican Restaurant!'

Who could refuse such an invitation?

I had been texting daughter G. regarding plants; it was a surprise to find her waiting on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, joined in a few minutes by M.

After lunch we were urged to drive out to see their latest gardening accomplishments. 

I have borrowed a photo; their gardens are far more organized than mine will ever be.

Worthy of a feature in a glossy gardening magazine!

We had a tour of the side gardens G. has been creating, and the display of vintage items used as planters near the front steps.

These detours of several hours made for a delightfully unexpected outing before going on to haul home the load of soil.

J. 'double dug' the garden dirt underneath the raised bed frame, placed the bales of hay and shoveled the garden dirt on top; the second layer was the soil mix from the farm store layered in place early this morning.

The final top layer is bagged planting mix from my favorite South Fork nursery, Homestead Gardens.

I have clambered into the truck and ridden along on these forays to collect what was needed. 

It is companionable, and such small outings especially around the back roads of the S. Fork community, give us renewed appreciation for this place where we have chosen to live out our retirement.

It is nearly lunch time when breakfast happens these days. 

After shoveling dirt [Jim] watering greenhouse plants and spraying blight deterrent on the tomato plants in the garden [Me] I made Belgian waffles topped with butter, maple syrup, fruit sauce and whipped cream with a side of turkey sausage links.

Must keep up our energy!