Embedding the Gardens
View of all four garden beds in paver surround
One problem with a spring outdoor project is unpredictable weather. Last weekend, the skies opened up minutes after finishing with the bricks (in our last post). Rain continued all week and more rain forecasted into the weekend - challenging our hopes for another productive weekend.
We were anxious about our patio melting away in the rain. However, after 3 days of rain, the water actually compacted all our layers of base and sand into firm form. That was a relief.
Concrete footing to stabilize paver edge
If you look closely, we created a 6'' drop from the top of the paver edge to the ground. We reconciled the drop with a concrete ramp and paver edging (this disparity came from adding paver base to achieve a level paver surface).
Our goal for the weekend was to build, stain and install the raised garden beds. We purchased our lumber from Habitat Re-Store on Saturday, and began building on Sunday.
Thankfully the skies dried up Sunday just in time for painting. We found some water based solid stain that really dries quickly and protects the wood for the long haul.
Becca saved hours using a roller and touching up with a brush
Alec marking the boards for pilot holes
9' pine boards, 8'' tall
We chose a running bond paver pattern for the bricks. They say it's the strongest pattern because every brick has a solid 90ยบ joint closing it in. Also, it requires the least amount of brick cutting, which can really slow down a project at this scale. Splitting bricks is tricky and takes some time and patience.
Running bond paver pattern
With the help of Becca, Alec, a new DeWalt drill and some lucky weekend weather, we are ahead of schedule and ready to fill the garden boxes and brick perimeter with fresh top soil (coming soon). You can surely expect more gardening posts as soon as the dirt lands.
South view of our new paved garden
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