Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Feb 28, 2013 11:45 am So I've had this idea for a while of putting in a raised garden bed with some herbs in it right next to my outdoor area (which is really just a slab of coloured concrete at the moment lol) which is also near the kitchen. I want it to be around 2.5 metres long, probably around 600-800mm high and rectangular in shape. Firstly I was thinking I might build the thing out of retaining wall type blocks (in a sandstone finish) and have it high enough that you could put capping on the top of the rectangular box that people could sit on. Problem is; I'm not very handy and have severe doubts about my ability to build such a thing. Also I'm concerned about needing to maybe put concrete in underneath the retaining wall blocks which is definitely outside of my abilities. Recently I saw these products: http://www.birdiesgardenproducts.com.au/# which seem like a good idea (and simple enough that even an ignoramus like me could put them together;)). My concern is where I am going to put the thing there is absolutely no shade. The two longer spans of metal will be facing east and west. So after that long spiel my questions are: will putting plants in what is basically a corrugated iron box that will be in full sun kill said plants? I see so many of my neighbours surrounding their plants with hard surfaces and bright white pebbles and then wondering why the poor things die and I don't want to doom plants to the same fate. If the metallic garden bed is not a go-er does anyone have suggestions for what else I could use to get the desired effect? (that I would be capable of constructing with minimal effort). Thanks in advance Re: Raised herb bed - ideas? 3Mar 01, 2013 6:23 pm Those metal raised beds are very popular here in WA. I intend to get 2 of them this year and do veggies in them. I'm planning on doing mine as wicking beds. http://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=62849&hilit=wicking Re: Raised herb bed - ideas? 4Mar 01, 2013 9:08 pm Thanks for the reply kexkez. I'm assuming if these beds are popular in WA then the plants in them don't get cooked in a hot climate? I'm in Victoria & have never visited your fair state but reckon its got a warmer average temp than here. Those wicking beds look really interesting; not sure that I'd be able to source the materials to make one in regional Vic though. Hmmmmm food for thought.... Re: Raised herb bed - ideas? 5Mar 01, 2013 9:34 pm certainly gets hot here. I'm sure you could grab some drainage/ round plastic down pipe. even saw one link where they used those plastic storage cube crates. Only thing is I dont see how you would be able to incorporate seating around the edge. I would say both styles you have pictured are steel. The lower chord of the first pic would be a massive lump if made using timber considering the size of the rafters. If… 1 6137 Hi guys We have just removed a very large grape vine which was mounted to a structure along this wall. This is a shared wall with our neighbour, and after removal, we… 0 3949 |