Mid-Atl - Sep 2015 - Major Garden Reno

One of my dogs has recently discovered that he can jump the fence into the neighbor's yard. He's also discovered that he can hop onto my Garden Commander (the protective wire structure on my SFG) and spring into the other neighbor's yard. Plus my husband has decided that the nice flat area I've been using for my Back to Eden garden would be perfect for a patio.

SOOOOOOO I've decided that I'll carve out a 20' x 30' area in the corner of our lot (where hubby wouldn't want a patio), fence it in (to keep the dogs out) and dedicate that as a demonstration bed for my clients/students. It will truly show them what is possible in a very small space. 

Have you had to do a major renovation and move your garden beds? Please share any ideas or advice.

Below is a photo of my back yard as it is now - Back to Eden garden, small hugelkultur, squash arch and way in the back is my 2' x 23' SFG (along the chain link fence). The new garden will be in the back corner where the SFG is.

sfg4uKim wrote:Have you had to do a major renovation and move your garden beds? Please share any ideas or advice.

Ibuprofen and ice packs. We raised all the beds and it meant removing the Mix. Plastic tarp: Shovel as much as you can, then lift and tip to dump the rest on the tarp. The great thing about being forced to move the beds is that you have a chance to examine the beds, elevate them if you chose, set up auto drips if you want. Set up a sitting area or work station or class area for a handful. Cattle panel arbor and other things you have seen on this Forum or other sites. The only thing I would not do is put a bed against a fence, even a 2' bed. It's hard on my back to reach across for tending and removing spent vines, etc. Also, no matter how careful I am, something spills or falls over the other side. Leave at least a 2' path. I am so excited for you. 20'x 30' is a wonderful size to work with.

Thanks Sigrid:

I will DEFINITELY take the Ibuprofen & ice pack advice to heart.

I already have plans to add a small deck with a couple of Adirondack chairs on it to give me a "platform" while I'm teaching and a nice place to sit. I think I'll also erect a mail box on a post for my SFG tools.

I'm trying to figure out what material to use for the walkway. Something inexpensive but will keep my students' feet clean. I don't want pavers unless they abut one another since they can be a tripping hazard for some of my older students.

My beds have always been against the fence so that's not a huge deal to me. We're actually using cattle panels to make the existing chain link fence higher so the dog can't jump it and it will double as my vertical supports. I will also recreate one section of my squash arch (the one in the picture shows 3 arches).

sfg4uKim wrote: I think I'll also erect a mail box on a post for my SFG tools.

 I forgot to list the mainboxes!

I'm trying to figure out what material to use for the walkway. Something inexpensive but will keep my students' feet clean. I don't want pavers unless they abut one another since they can be a tripping hazard for some of my older students.

I really like weed fabric and plain wood chips.  After watering a few times, they settle down and make for fairly easy walking.  At least if some one falls, they will only bounce.