Hey everyone,
I'm looking to honor my parents by creating a raised flower bed in my backyard where I can keep their ashes. I have no gardening experience and could really use some advice on how to get started. First off, should I place the raised bed right against the fence, or is it better to leave a bit of space? Also, what important things do I need to consider while setting it up? I'm thinking of removing the grass, laying down some damp proof membrane, and putting down decorative aggregates before placing the flower bed on top. Is there anything else I should do? I've heard mixing bitumen on the inside of the bed is beneficial; is that true? I'm planning to tackle this project over Easter weekend. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Why go for a raised bed instead of just sinking it into the ground? If your soil isn’t the best, that might explain things, but in-ground beds are way easier to manage and less likely to attract slugs. Plus, they have better drainage since the roots can reach deep into the earth. But if you prefer the aesthetic of a raised bed, you could still dig a bit out and line it with a membrane. Just remember, either approach has its perks! Just make sure to keep a small gap at least to make weeding easier, trust me, it’ll save you some trouble down the line.
It’s great that you want to create a beautiful spot for your parents' memory. I recommend keeping some distance between the raised bed and the fence. Direct contact can lead to airflow issues, which might cause damp and rot that could damage both the planter and the fence. I’ve made raised beds using pallets, and they turned out well—there are lots of plans available online if you're interested. Just remember to clean and stain them yearly to keep them looking nice. Also, consider using some copper tape around the edges to deter slugs; it’s worked wonders for me! Adding various spring bulbs along with summer annuals creates a colorful display that you’ll love.