Raised flowerbeds add height and dimension to your landscaping. Large beds can feature decorative trees, medium-sized shrubs, or a lighted fountain. Smaller designs provide segregation for flowers and other plants. The basic steps to create a beautiful raised bed are the same either way and using natural stone and other hardscape materials will provide durability for years to come.
- Decide on the shape and location of the bed. Simply lay down a garden hose to outline the desired shape of the bed. Be sure to consider locations of in-ground sprinkler heads and other utilities or drainage systems you want to retain access to. If your yard features significant slopes, the raised bed could alter established water drainage patterns.
- Remove live material from inside the bed area. There are a number of methods to remove the grass, but be sure to avoid toxic materials, as this will harm whatever you plant there later on. Some people use tools to skim off the top layer of grass and dirt, while others cut the grass extremely short with a string trimmer and cover it with a dark plastic tarp until the remaining grass dies.
- Select the type of natural stone for the border walls. Hilton Landscape Supply features a number of ledge stones including Oregon Rustic. Larger materials will work better for larger beds. Regardless, limit the height of the bed 1-2 rocks high for easier building and structural integrity.
- Dig out the area where the border rocks will be placed. This trench should be 3 inches deep and about 2 inches wider than the stones you’ll be installing.
- Fill the trench with 2 inches of gravel. Tamp down the rocks with a hand tamper to prevent uneven settling later on. Fill in the trench with sand and smooth it to make a flat surface.
- Add your first row of stones. Make sure they are butted up against each other as closely as possible. If you add a second row, stagger the joints to provide extra strength.
- Fill your bed with quality topsoil. Talk with the professionals at Hilton Landscape Supply to determine the best type of soil to support your plants and within your specific location.
- Now comes the fun part – adding your plants! Be sure to follow up with food and fertilizer to keep your plants happy and healthy all year long.
While adding a raised flowerbed to your yard is a bit of planning and a lot of physical labor, the rewards will keep you smiling season after season. Hilton Landscape Supply has everything you need to make your outdoors the living space of your dreams.