Guide for Developing a Flowerbed Arrangement
Planning a Multi-Year Garden: A Family's Journey
A family embarked on an exciting gardening project, transforming their backyard into a vibrant multi-year garden filled with raised beds, blackberries, various vegetables, and possibly fruit trees.
The first step in creating this garden was designing a layout that accommodated the different growth habits and space requirements of each crop type. Raised beds were chosen for vegetables and smaller fruiting plants, as they provide good soil control, drainage, and easier maintenance. For blackberries, dedicated sections with trellises were planned to train canes vertically, saving space and improving airflow.
Depth of the raised beds is crucial, with vegetables like carrots and beets requiring beds at least 12-18 inches deep, while leafy greens and herbs can thrive in shallower beds. Cedar raised beds, known for their durability and stackability, were chosen to reach desired heights, up to 33 inches, useful for accommodating root crops and improving accessibility.
Fruit trees, however, usually require more space and deeper soil than raised beds can provide. They are best planted directly in the ground if possible. If space or soil quality is a concern, dwarf or semi-dwarf fruit trees grown in large containers or modified raised beds for deep root growth can be considered, although irrigation and nutrient management challenges should be anticipated.
Multi-year planning involves allocating separate raised beds for annual vegetables with crop rotation to maintain soil health, dedicating permanent trellis or support structures in raised beds or garden areas for blackberries to manage their growth and fruit production yearly, and placing fruit trees in open ground or large containers with proper spacing to allow for growth over multiple years.
High-quality, well-draining soil mixes were used in the raised beds to optimize plant vigor. Vertical gardening techniques, such as training blackberries and growing peas or beans on trellises, were incorporated to maximize space. Pathways and bed orientation were planned to maximise sunlight exposure, particularly for fruiting crops.
The family's garden journey was not without its challenges. Pumpkins were planted in the grass due to a neighbour's advice, and watermelon was planted unplanned but was successful. Corn was forgotten to be planted due to a busy month with ten kids at home. Despite attempts to plant peanuts three times, they did not grow. The field in front of the kiwi trees and blackberries was previously planted with unknown crops.
The children played an active role in the gardening project, helping to plant seeds in the garden boxes they are maintaining. Each child was assigned a specific area or crop to take care of, from potatoes and peanuts to lettuces, bell peppers, and strawberries. The author took care of the celery, peas, okra box, and tomato box.
The garden also features a red shed made from old 1930's doors, and a bumpy field in front of the kiwi trees and blackberries. The author documented the planting and growth dates of all plants in the garden and is currently propagating more blackberries.
As the family continues to nurture their garden, it serves not only as a source of fresh produce but also as a way to make their home feel permanent. The garden, with its raised beds, fruit trees, and blackberries, is a testament to the family's dedication and love for gardening.
The family's dedication and love for gardening is evident as they incorporate various aspects of home-and-garden lifestyle into their multi-year garden project, such as raised beds for vegetables and smaller fruiting plants, blackberries with trellises for space-saving vertical growth, and careful planning for fruit trees or even dwarf versions in containers.
This home transformation unfolds as not just a vibrant multi-year garden filled with diverse crops, but also a lifestyle choice that binds the family together through shared gardening responsibilities and nurturing their patch of earth towards a more permanent connection with their home.
