Flower Beds of All Kinds

Hi all, today I bring you flower beds of all kinds. It's funny, I used to make fun of my friends years ago for gardening and now, I admit that it's one of my favorite things to do. It's also a wonderful distraction from the grueling world of post-grad torture, um, classes.

So, why flower beds? Well, if you live on a small lot in town, (ours is less then .75 acres) it's really the only way to go. We used to have large ground beds for vegetables many years ago, but it didn't work as well and took up way too much space.

Now, as I have mentioned before, my dad and I are cheapskate royalty. We don't do anything unless it is cost effective and will last for years on end. (I'd rather go without then go in debt.) We also have a very particular aesthetic when it comes to how the yard should look. I'll call it, "Rustic Eclectic."

That being said, my dad comes up with the most genius ideas for flower/vegetable bed materials. Most, we didn't even pay a cent for and used stuff that would otherwise have no purpose or be thrown out. Others, we just happened upon some great deals. (Our friends know that we are cheap and love scouting out stuff for us.)

Here's some of the beds we use: (descriptions under the picture)
This picture really doesn't do this one justice. It is about 6 feet wide and nestled at the base of a gorgeous decades old pine tree. It is our main shade bed. In a few weeks, it will be overflowing with bleeding hearts (my fav), hostas, and astilbes. As for the materials, it is made of old smashed bits of concrete (we picked up before it was hauled off), broken bricks and cinder blocks, and a couple cracked creek rocks. It's basically made out of stuff that people just really don't want. Total cost: zip

Ah...my herb garden beds. My dad built these beds as a gift to me four years ago and they are just as strong now as they were then. These are the ones that we get the most questions and compliments about. Measuring from the inside two are 3'x5' and two are 3'x3'. As for the materials, it is one locus tree. It got blown over in a storm here at the house, and he got an wedge and a hammer and split the sucker into boards. (Way more difficult than it sounds.) What is great about locus, it doesn't need to be treated, reinforced, or anything. It is an insanely hard wood, and a great choice for a bed that will stand the test of time. Total cost: zip, unless you count the bolts that hold them together. ($15)
This bed is the most expensive in this list. It is made of landscaping blocks. (Like the kind you get at home depot or Lowe's.) We opted for something a little more spiffy for the front yard. We actually got them, because one of our friends got us in touch with a place that sells the seconds and thirds (the ones with mistakes that can't be sold retail). We got them for like a quarter of the price. Awesome! The only thing about using these blocks is that they are not made to be put in a circle. They are made for straight retaining walls, so it takes a little bit of sawing and math to make the circle look nice. (And you thought that high school math was useless!) Total Cost: about $55-$60

We use this one a lot for family pics. I think it is the most attractive and interesting of the bunch. (This pic really doesn't do it justice.) My dad actually built this to surprise me while I was in France for the summer. (Our family gifts with thought and time, not money. Way cheaper that way, Ha!) I came back and was amazed. We always have beautiful moss flowing over the front with Marigolds and Petunias to accent. (Still needs a couple weeks for the full effect.) As for the materials, it was all scrap stuff. Broken concrete and cinder blocks mostly. It is on a steep incline (up the hill), 5 feet wide, and a half circle shape. Total cost: zip

This is the newest addition. (Finished last week, actually) We got a wonderful deal on some railroad cross ties, and thought they would be perfect to make some large beds. This is the first of many of these. What's great about cross ties? They are huge, sturdy, weather treated, and will last longer than me. Oh, and most important to me, they look awesome! It really makes an impact in the yard. They really are something to look at. This bed is our veg garden this year, and next year will be used to showcase some our our prettier flowers. It is about 17 feet long and 4 feet wide. It is massive, I never realized just how big the railroad must be! Total cost: about $50 (Additional Materials not included: .5" rebar, .5"x10" lag bolts, and a heavy duty fence post: $20)

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These are just a few examples of the beds in our yard that were made without breaking the bank. We hope to come across or think of many more. (One of our neighbors actually does his peppers and maters in old tires, so he can move them when winter comes. It actually looks quite brilliant if done right. I've made a note.) You really don't need ten thousand dollars or a landscaper. You just need patience, a decent work ethic, and a couple of afternoons to make a great bed. Great gardens aren't just for the upper tier!

We have been slowly renovating the yard over the last four years, and hope to one day have a real masterpiece, step-style, garden. Wish us luck!

Please Note: There were additional costs such as plants, seed, and top soil. (Our poor composter is still on the mend.) Though, if you shop around and make friends with the local nursery, these things aren't too costly. Also, you need to research the safety stuff before attempting to cut any of these materials. You may need a mask, an arm cover, or etc. (Especially true with cross ties)

We plan to one day grow more,
Just not peaches.
Jenn