High Raised Beds & Terrace on a Budget

Area at the back of a cottage. Existing concrete and neglected garden space.

Existing plants dug up and transplanted to pots / other areas where possible.

Oak Sleepers cut and layed in position.

Boxes are lined with plastic membrane to help protect timbers from rot after soil/compost is added.

Layers of wood and garden waste fill in beneath the soil to improve water retention, and feed the soil as it decomposes. Compost will then be added on top before planting.

Work starts on levelling the terrace. Border beds are added to create a boundary to the terrace area.

Angled borders are cut and laid with cardboard to prevent existing weeds from coming through.

We reused the old kitchen carpet being thrown out as a weed barrier - however, this garden has a mares tail problem, which will penetrate almost everything other than steel (including concrete!)...

We opted for the cheapest aggregate locally available, as this area will be replaced in coming years with a rear extension to the house. I would have opted for a cotswold buff type gravel if long term.

Using gravel around raised beds, for paths and for landscaping generally means less time spent on levelling the ground underneath vs paving for example. 

Green waste compost is used to finish off the raised beds. This tends to be unpopular with certain plants until it has settled in for a year - but there are lots that like it fresh. 

1 Year on from build - the beds have turned a silver grey in colour. A cold frame protects new seedlings being planted out early.

Spring Watering

Planting Out Flower/Herb Borders

Plants have matured and area ready to enjoy and continue to develop. Dhalias love the green waste compost.