I choose a foundation and walls of concrete blocks to be capped and hidden with creek-stone. Blocks are relatively inexpensive compared to delivery of creek-stone, and this allowed me to save back-muscles and a bit of money. The exact measurements in height and width of the blocks also allowed me to easily follow the rise of the steps. The inside width of the bed was held at five feet so I could comfortably reach the center of the bed for weeding and maintenance, while sitting or kneeling on the stone walls.
 Assembling the materials |
My first step in any project is to assemble all materials and tools for the job at hand. The first day was spent hauling the blocks up the hill and into position. I find work flows much smoother if I am not running hither and yon for forgotten supplies and tools. I am also at the age where, if distracted, it may take a while to remember where I was working last. |
| The area was marked off with stakes and string and all measurements rechecked before I began digging. Once the measurements were in place, I began to scrape and level the clay where the blocks forming the foundation would be positioned. The bed was constructed in sections. Each section was laid into place and checked for being leveled end-to-end and side-to-side. I then broke up the soil with a garden fork. A load of compost-soil mix was brought in and thoroughly mixed, forming a good base for the bed. |  Breaking up the soil |
 Filling in the frame |
I then went on to the next section to construct and level the walls. When the second section had been completed, I returned to the first with another load of compost and mixed it in thoroughly. I used this technique until all the sections had their walls in place and leveled, the ground broken up and mixed with the first load of compost. Moving blocks and breaking up clay is hard work. I prefer to move back and forth between activities to save on the back muscles.
 Laying out the creek stones |
When the first section walls were in place and completely filled and mixed, I began placing creek-stones on top of the blocks. Each stone was positioned carefully for safety so they can be sat or kneeled upon without rocking or tipping. After the lower section was been capped, I returned to bringing compost in to complete the second section. This was repeated, alternating between carrying stones and filling beds with compost, until the bed was completed.
 The finished beds |
Stones were positioned so they flowed up the hill along the path, rather than defining each individual section as the path steps upward. Three end-sections of each bed had stone lain across the beds to prevent washout during heavy rains.
 Laying out the plants and giving them a good drink |
When the project was completed I brought all my plants to the area and began arranging them into position. Once the bed was filled with pots of plants, I went away for a day or so, then returned to see if I still liked my arrangement. Usually there are some exchanges of plants, moving positions around, giving a bit more room here, less space there. Once I was satisfied, all was planted into the bed. The final steps were to mulch the bed well and then set up the sprinkler for a four-hour run to water everything, settling the plants in. Since my construction and planting were completed in late fall, the project ended for the year. All that remained was to return in spring and enjoy the plants in bloom.