Over the past few years working with clients, I have begun to see a trend emerging in landscape design. People are starting to get more interested in vegetable gardening. More and more clients of mine are asking to have a garden incorporated into their landscape. The old stand by way of doing this has typically been to create a rectangle shaped area in the back part of the yard that has enough sunlight to grow vegetables, but can easily be hidden from view. Since rabbits and chipmunks are always a problem when it comes to gardening, a chicken wire fence is erected around the space to keep unwanted critters out. Not only does this method make for an unattractive space, but also an inconvenient location. Having a garden placed at ground level means that picking vegetables and the not so fun chore of weeding the garden become a strain on the knees and back. Because of this, most people either forego the garden altogether, or they abandon the garden in a matter of a couple of years.
It was apparent to me that a solution was necessary to satisfy the wants and needs of my clients when it came to creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing garden space. The solution that I came up with was a twist on the wooden raised gardens sold at many garden centers. I wanted something more permanent as well as sturdy. Wooden boxes only last so long and the chemicals used to preserve them can leech into the soil and into your vegetables. The concept that I came up with, “The New Urban Garden” is a much more sturdy and functional garden that can be customized to any size shap
e or height. The very first one that I constructed was for a client of mine who enjoyed cooking with fresh herbs and vegetables. We constructed it into the bank of a hillside in his backyard. Standing at approximately 32”, the garden is easily accessible when it comes time to harvest his vegetables or keep the garden free of weeds. The ‘L’ shaped design allows for a cozy niche where a bench sits to provide a place to rest. The width of this garden leaves just enough room for an average person to reach all the way into the space without straining bending or stretching. The walls of the garden are constructed using Unilock Brussels Block laid in an Ashlar pattern which creates a mosaic effect. The bottom of the garden is filled with approximately 12” of drainage gravel underneath landscape fabric and topped with approximately 24” of blended topsoil and compost. This method allows for proper drainage of the garden so it does not become saturated or boggy as a traditional ground level garden can get.
After constructing this garden I have done several more, each specified to the site and the client’s style and specific needs. Incorporating a seating area and a simple trellis or pergola adds a perfect place to sit, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor in the garden. Clients with back or knee issues have found this garden to be a way to enjoy time in the yard and grow fresh herbs and vegetables. If ever one of my clients decides to not plant vegetables, the garden space can easily be planted with flowers or perennials for an attractive raised planter look.
Although the concept itself is relatively simple and straight forward, the construction is technically challenging and requires a certain level of expertise. Our crews are trained in the construction methods needed to construct these gardens and we only use the best quality materials. Download the New Urban Garden flyer below for more information, or email us if you are interested in having a custom raised garden built in your outdoor space.
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