Today, with a lot of effort by Alan, Jonathan (the nephew), and me, the garden transformed from this ....
....to this!
We used the reclaimed lumber we bought at a local lumber yard to build the beds, so they're full of "character". Very few of the pieces were the same length (or width), so Alan did lots of measuring and cutting to get optimum use of each board. The beds are not all the same length (or height) but I think they're PERFECT in their own wonky sort of way! Eventually there will be mulch between the rows to keep the grass down. You can see some of last year's mulch over near the pitch fork - it is still doing a great job of keeping the grass down!
We have enough soil from our delivery for one more 4'x8' bed, which will go in front of the chicken house. We got the bed built today, but I need to get the area prepped before we actually put the bed in it's final location and fill it with soil. We ran out of "steam", and daylight, to get it done today.
Here is Jonathan busy cutting 2x2s into 4' lengths. They will be added to each bed corner to help keep the netting I will be wrapping around each bed in place. Gotta keep those silly roosters, barn cats, and armadillos out of the beds! In this photo you can also see Alan on the tractor bringing a bucket full of dirt around. LOVE LOVE LOVE that we have the tractor bucket for moving all of the soil.
Next steps... forking in a bit of compost and readying the soil for planting, actually doing the planting, and getting watering hoses in place. Oh, and getting the last bed in place.
We're tired. We will sleep GOOD tonight!
Wow . . . Anna . . . Snail's Space put your link in a comment on my blog regarding my 2 chickens and I have spent a very pleasant half an hour or more reading through YOUR blog. I am particuarly interested in your chickens as I keep 2 of the little garden trashers myself! Love 'em to pieces (even when they're naughty).
LOVE your chicken designs for Whipper Snapper . . . may have to order some!
Hugs, Sandra
Posted by: Stamping 4 Pleasure | April 07, 2011 at 05:48 AM
Wow!! you even get to wear shorts already!!! We're jealous here in Vancouver, Canada Missy! Your garden is going to look soooo Country when its done !
Posted by: Lorrie | April 05, 2011 at 02:05 PM
Very impressive! some folks may not know that the soil around Milford is a cross between concrete and wallpaper paste depending how much water is added at one time. Making your own topsoil seems a no brainer when you know that. I like my raised beds about 2 1/2 ft tall, It's a snap to pick strawberries and zuchini when it's already knee high at planting! my old back isn't what it used to be.... har! har!........Love, Dad
Posted by: DK Wight | April 04, 2011 at 04:21 PM
Boy oh boy have you been busy! You're sure going to have a lot of goodies in a few months. Loved the pics of the Dexters. Happy Monday.
Posted by: Troy Louise | April 04, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Am jealous! You have so much space! Will enjoy living life as a grower via your pics! x
Posted by: Kirstie | April 03, 2011 at 11:06 PM
Anna,,just curious why you do the raised beds instead of a regular garden? let me in on any great secrets/hints, cuz we may have to try the raised beds here in Michigan...
Posted by: Kellie | April 03, 2011 at 06:59 PM
Ahhhhhhh, so much nicer to watch you work than do it myself. :)))))))
Posted by: Shala | April 03, 2011 at 04:13 PM
FANTASTIC!!!You all really accomplished a lot this weekend! I can't wait to see the new green stalks poking thru the ground~~the start of something wonderful to munch on! :D
Thanks for sharing your garden with us. It is going to be great, and I'm very envious! I've always wanted to do raised beds, and maybe someday I can, too....but for now, I'll enjoy seeing yours, and the fantastic things you harvest! :D Have a great week!
Posted by: diane mcvey | April 03, 2011 at 01:24 PM
Even with a tractor and three adults that is a lot of work done in one day! It is looking great. LOVE the old boards. We are waiting for a lumber sale to get wood for a few more raised beds. Will tell DH to see if there is any salvage lumber around. I am getting anxious to start into flower beds and garden. Soon... hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | April 03, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Amazing amount of work, you three! Great job! Won't it be fun to see those raised beds just FULL of plants and produce?! Love the old boards!
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | April 03, 2011 at 08:20 AM
Great job on your raised beds-think how much more you will be able to raise and freeze or can!!
Posted by: Bev J. | April 03, 2011 at 07:35 AM
Anna, your beds are starting to look great. Hopefully I can get out and work some on my beds this next week. The weather is finally warming up enough to be enjoyable outside. I think the snow is finally gone for good. It's supposed to be near 70 today but back down in the 40s tomorrow for highs.
Have a great garden preparation day.
Posted by: Nebraska Dave | April 03, 2011 at 06:03 AM
Great progress! Lot's of work getting the garden ready but so worth it when you sit down to eat the yummies this winter!
Posted by: Dee in N.H. | April 03, 2011 at 04:05 AM
Wow! You did work hard. Lookin' good!
Posted by: lacyquilter | April 02, 2011 at 07:53 PM
Wow! That's impressive progress!!!
Posted by: Amy | April 02, 2011 at 06:57 PM