Back in the Blogging "Saddle"

One of several projects happening.  Upon realizing that we have the skills to organically maintain fertile raised bed soil, the ease with which an older adult is able to weed and plant a raised bed, and best of all, how early we can start planting, we're going for permanency (at least in our lifetimes).   Originally our first attempt at raised beds was not permanent - since we didn't know what we were doing, (duh?)  we allowed ourselves an out - just in case we didn't like the location or had a massive failure at maintaining the soil in the beds. (Or the morning glory sneaked in and took over when we weren't looking.)  We filled our older raised bed concrete blocks with sand.   Over the 10 years of their existence,  the sand has "leaked" out, causing the corners of some of the beds to collapse, and it was necessary to weed the uncovered blocks.  To prevent the weeding and loss of sand, we laid plastic decking down over the blocks - which drew in wasps and left a place for slugs to hide.  Not whining - just going over the learning experience.   

 Since we already had all of the blocks (yes, for 10 years - see stack) and we aren't getting any younger (hope someone figures that out) the decision was made to build new mortared raised beds.  This is the first course - not sure yet how high, but at least three high, up to four.  Expensive?  Yes. (So is boating.)  Investment?  Yup.

Getting ready for the new produce stand.  The deep tracks in the lower right corner are from where the dump truck got stuck unloading part of the gravel base.  And if it weren't for a kind neighbor driving by with his HUGE tractor, the dump truck might still be sitting here!  (Not really, we would have figured something out.)   I didn't get to see it, otherwise I would have posted an interesting picture of it.  We're bringing in a bit more rock for improved parking.  The stakes indicate where the new stand will be sitting.   All built and ready for delivery - just waiting for ground to dry out a bit more. 

Make it a beautiful day!