Whimsical Raised Beds: A DIY Photo Essay

People often ask about our art-themed raised beds. A few years ago I was taking the Comprehensive Organic Gardener class through Seattle Tilth and while walking around one of the P-Patches I saw a gardener had used a few painted cinder blocks as part of their garden plot’s bed. I brought my partner, the lovely ladyfriend, to see the plot and told her that I wanted to build our new raised beds from cinder blocks and have friends/family mosaic them.

Within a few months we had built our own C-chaped cinder-block bed decorated in whimsical mosaics of flowers, fruits, and veggies. Come take a tour with me and learn how to build your own.

Phase 1: Construction

We were able to source all of the used cinder blocks on craigslist inexpensively.

And we bought organic straw from Walt’s and gathered up some cardboard.

We plotted off the area with string and stakes and then removed the sod in a memorable back-breaking session and set it aside for later.

We put the blocks in place with weed block underneath.

We added a second layer of blocks.

We laid the cardboard down, making sure to remove all tape that wouldn’t break down. We then took a hose and wet it down really well.

Next, we covered the cardboard layer with straw and wet it down thoroughly.

On top of the straw we added a layer of coffee grounds and chaff, which we watered down thoroughly.

We also made sure to add back in the sod–upside down–that was removed earlier and watered well.

To top things off, we covered the well-watered down layers with burlap/coffee sacks.

Phase 2: Decorate

Now you can start the fun bit!  Collect bits of broken glass, tiles, trinkets, etc.  If you don’t have much of this material, you can supplement with mosaic supplies. We got some of our glass from Bedrock in Seattle. Once you have everything ready, gather up some friends and put them to work!

We used thinset mortar to attach the tile to the cinder blocks. There are many ways to do this. We applied a layer (1/8″-1/4″ thick) of thinset to the whole side of a block and then put pieces of glass in place, pressing lightly. It is best to plan out your design before applying the mortar as it dries quickly. Also have a damp cloth handy and wipe down any mortar that squishes up onto the glass. We waited a few days for the mortar to thoroughly dry and then grouted them–now that’s a job you want to try and sucker someone into doing!

Some of the pre-grouted blocks. Nice, huh?

Me, five months pregnant, and my mom working on some more.

It helps to have awesome cousins willing to be on grout duty!

My mom with finished blocks in place.

Awesome don’t you think?

First planting season (summer ‘07). We put in a few things for kicks as we finished hardscaping the rest of the yard. I love how they turned out. I think they add a real fun touch of color and art into the yard.

About the author: Meg Brown is a self-identified quirky queer gal living in Seattle with her awesome partner (aka ‘the Ladyfriend’) and their awesome toddler (‘the Babylady’). She loves to cook, garden, create, learn, read and laugh. She writes the blog growandresist about infusing everyday stuff with social justice & resistance. Contact her at growandresist@gmail.com.

Related posts:

1. A Backyard Garden Photo Essay
2. (R)evolution of My Yard Part 4: Raised Beds
3. Urban Homesteading: Mushroom Growing Tips and Tricks Part 1

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