New Raised Garden

New garden, finished June 16

In the last few years we've had neighbors build nice raised and enclosed gardens, and as the wood surrounding our old raised bed was starting to rot away Andy was developing garden envy. He decided to build one, and designed it using graph paper. 

He had two pallets of cement blocks and lumber delivered on April 24, and told me not to worry, he would plug away at this gradually over the summer. 

Since he was busy coaching boys volleyball, the project did putter along. I think the neighbors were relieved when the last of the solid cement blocks was finally moved to the backyard (the old wheelbarrow took a beating). It took Andy a while to get a flat surface to start laying the blocks, on top of gravel and sand. Levels and string played a part.

May 5th

May 18th

May 26, Will gets pressed into service before the Timberwolves playoffs game

Andy had 2.5 yards of compost/manure delivered, while we were camping May 25. The shoes he was wearing after hauling that back had to be thrown away.

Then on Memorial Day weekend, as we were getting back from camping, he really caught fire. I was strongly encouraged to get going on staining all surfaces of the 16 boards for the project, with two coats, which took some time.

Painting boards, May 27

Even though he originally thought this year we wouldn't get to have a growing season, it wasn't long before he stopped at the nursery and got seeds and starters.

May 30, Garden is planted, temporary chicken wire to protect plants

We picked up a piece of cattle fence to serve as a trellis at the Tractor Supply in Little Falls and lashed it to the roof. We got it on sale because it had been cut in half (which just happened to be the size we needed.)

June 7, 15 min before store closing

Then it was time to install the wood. This was done entirely with hand tools, except the old powered drill left behind in the cabinet from the previous owner at the harbor. Yet another trip to Menards to buy a gate.

June 11

The following weekend we attached fencing to the wood, and installed the gate, both were two-person jobs. I hammered the post caps on and did clean up.

Yay! Finally done

Materials

Blocks and lumber with delivery from Menards $770, plus additional supplies (sand, paving gravel, tubes of cement epoxy, 4X4 stakes) at $127. 

Stain $42 (2 qts). Stain type: Pittsburg Stain+Sealant in color California Rustic

Fencing $60

Pavers, additional sand, post caps, additional blocks $169

Dirt 2.5 yards for $340 including delivery

Gate $116

Trellis $16 (First time shopping at Tractor Supply in Little Falls)

Total $1640

We decided to plant bee balm in the 18" gap between the garden and the garage- raspberry wine in the center and two Monarda Hybrid Pink Lace on the sides. We hope they're going to fill in.