New Garden

May 26th 2008
I moved to a 1 acre block thinking all I had to do was dig some dirt plant some seeds and yummy vegies jump out of the dround.
The ground was rock the soil what there was of it poor.
So after 2 years I gave the idea away.
Now I have built 2 above ground gardens and they seem to be working great.I now want to carry these gardens down this side of the property.
The problem being is that there is 2 trees that I will have to build near.
2_garden_beds.jpg
The garden is 5 mtrs long and 2 mtrs wide.
Since the land slopes down to the back fence the right side of the garden is 400mm high and the left side is 500mm high.
I have incorporated drain holes 300mm down from the top on all 4 sides also put in a hole in the back wall that I can fit an underground water system.
back_yard_ready_for_new_gardens.jpg
Looking down towards the back fence on the right side is where I want to put some more gardens I am planning to get another 8 there.
Down at the back you can see my large pile of straw bails that I was given. I know that I can make a garden out of them but I like the idea of concrete walls and using the straw in the soil.
side_tree.jpg
This is one of the trees that I would like to build next to or just under the canopy.
I have been told its not a good idea to do this as the roots from the tree take the goodness out of the garden soil and the tree leaves or the fall from the tree can hinder the growth of my vegies.
Would like some feed back re. other peoples experiences thanks.
DaveMay 27th 2008 21:57
That is a massive tree, much larger than I imagined.
I see what you say about the soil, it looks like you have your work cut out for you. Its doable, you will have a paradise in no time.
It must be great to have a place of your own, a blank canvas to build into a thriving garden.
DamarisJune 21st 2008 18:29
One thing a friend of mine did with hers was dig a trench around the base of the tree, down deep and then she put corregated iron sheets (600mm high) down into the trench. She then could build onto next to the tree and the roots did not take all the nutrients anymore. Before that she had all sorts of problems. The tree did really well out of the arrangement but the plants did very poorly. That way then the tree has its roots but are not bothering you and your beautiful garden bed. Good luck :)
RobJuly 25th 2008 13:44
we wish you great success. job well done by the looks. we have vegies in water tanks cut in half and are eating great vegies, much better than anything bought.
TraderJuly 26th 2008 14:49
Thanks for the comments all.
We had had some new people move in next door.
Some young people who I thought would know better.
Anyway they have removed ever tree bar 2 on their block.
My daughter’s comments were so true “this is Forestdale not Baresdale”
We haven’t seen a native bird since they did the “cleanup”
I have been tempted to do the same but I haven’t just did a small clear up.
I don’t know what I am trying to say here other than my little section of the world has been changed into what someone else wanted and not what I had dreamed of. BUGGER
Thanks Trader
PaulAugust 6th 2008 00:13
Great work Trader, peas in a pod, you and I with our concrete raised beds!

Shame on the neighbours! Do you have any room to plant any trees on your border to compensate?
Trader
Disclaimer - This website is to share stories of projects. This is not a how-to or diy site. The information on this site should not be relied on as a substitute for building or other professional advice.