Living in the middle of the city where many people don't even have a yard, it's fairly rare to have a nice garden. We are lucky enough to have a little bit of a back space... but unfortunately our landlord decided to cover it with asphalt years ago. When we first moved in we had a raised bed (made out of an old wooden box used to ship artwork up on cinder blocks). But as it was crappy wood and we live in a wet climate, after a few seasons, it was pretty much dead So I asked my landlord if I could tear up some of the asphalt and install a permanent redwood garden box... to my surprise she said yes.
Using a busted chisel, a hammer and an old climbing axe we chipped out a 6x8' block of asphalt. We made a box out of nice redwood with legs to anchor it in place (having it recessed below the asphalt keeps the dirt from "escaping). A neighbor was excivating their backyard (which hadn't been touched in over 20 years) so we took a bunch of their dirt, mixed it with compost and potting soil and now have our own flourishing garden box.
Using a busted chisel, a hammer and an old climbing axe we chipped out a 6x8' block of asphalt. We made a box out of nice redwood with legs to anchor it in place (having it recessed below the asphalt keeps the dirt from "escaping). A neighbor was excivating their backyard (which hadn't been touched in over 20 years) so we took a bunch of their dirt, mixed it with compost and potting soil and now have our own flourishing garden box.
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dayymonn
says:
Apr 29, 2013. 1:35 PMReply
Thanks Carl, your response and details are much appreciated. I definitely agree with the redwood and hope I can find it at a good price here in Maryland. I'll be trying to make a nice garden box for my mom this mother's day.
dayymonn
says:
Apr 28, 2013. 5:12 PMReply
I'm not a pro member, but if I become one would the measurements of the planks and step-by-step instructions in how to build the box be in the pdf? Love the look and you did a great job.
2
crazyascarl (author)
in reply to Apr 28, 2013. 6:11 PMReply
I don't have step-by-step instructions as I semi-winged it. The boards are 2x6" redwood (I wanted a wood that didn't need to be treated but could last many years dealing with the elements). The long sides are 8' the shorter 6', I opted for 3 stacked boards just cause I wanted it a bit taller, but 2 would likely work as well (and/or get 2x8"s or 10"s) The corner posts are 4x4", probably from an 8 footer cut into quarters. The middle support pieces were a late addition... just left over pieces from cutting boards down to to make the 6' sides. Not sure that helps but it's the best I can do.
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