So you want to build a raised bed

Raised beds have grown in popularity in recent years. The definitive lines they create in the yard can really add to the aesthetic value of a garden. Many folks worry about what might be in their soil, so importing soil into a raised bed also has great allure. I haven't done a lot of raised beds myself, but I'm always excited to try something new.

I was recently at #gwa2017, and the fabulous folks at Smart Pots introduced me to their fabulous cloth raised beds! I didn't have a ton of room in my suitcase, so I only came back with the Big Bag Bed Mini. It's the perfect size for a small herb garden or, as I'm doing, a small fall veggie garden on the back deck!

I can't think of an easier raised bed to set up. Some of the wooden kits are fairly simple stick together and go, but the Big Bag Bed you just unfold and fill!

I filled my bed with Daddy Pete's Potting Mix. Daddy Pete's is made locally, about 20 minutes from my house, and I've always had great luck with their products. I also took the opportunity to try out my new DeWit trowel. It worked fabulously, and I can't wait to try it in some tougher digging!

Once I filled the bed, I filled it up with lots of seeds I received from the National Garden Bureau. I'm super excited for all of the greens, carrots, radishes, and beets to start growing.

I chose to set up my new bed right on the back deck. It will get plenty of sun there, but it will also be easy to access from the kitchen and when it needs water. Sometimes we all get daunted by the work needed to keep our veggies growing when they are far out in the yard. Here on the back deck, it will be easily accessible, and the bed won't need to be weed eated around. I can't wait until everything starts growing. Check back in the fall to see how it looks!

If you try out one of these great raised beds, shoot me a message and let me know how it's working for you!

I'd like to thank Smart Pots, National Garden Bureau, and DeWit tools for all of the supplies!

Top 3 reasons to visit Buffalo, NY Garden walk next year

I will start off by saying I did not want to go to Buffalo, NY! I didn't want to fly, I didn't want to go to NY again, and I didn't want to go to yet another conference. Boy, was I wrong. #GWA2017 really exceeded all expectations I'd had.

While I did have a major travel debacle with my flight being delayed and canceled several times, I was wrong about the rest.

If you haven't heard of the Buffalo Garden Walk, you need to check it out. So many great private gardens exist in Buffalo, and all those fine folks open them up to let you come and look. Look at the beauty, look at their ingenuity, look at their brilliant ideas.

Here are the top 3 reasons YOUshould visit the Buffalo, NY garden walk next year:

1. The amazing beauty! Buffalo is a charming city, with so many great gardens to explore. The scenery was breath taking, even from the highway!

Everywhere you go, the city has decorated landscapes, flowers, and beautiful architecture. The parkways were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, so even just driving around town is quite a delight!

2. The gardens!!! All of the open gardens around town offer such variety. No 2 gardens are the same. Each offers a completely different look at how to work around problems of small yards, low lighting, and pavement. Take a look at some of the great sights.

Arbors create great walkways to separate the road from the peaceful, serene garden-scape in the back.

Every inch of growing space can be utilized to create a landscape that pops with excitement.

Got water? Ponds can come in any shape or size and can be used to enhance garden spaces.

Entrance to a secret garden or just your favorite backyard stroll?

Why have a plain fence when you can have a fence that pops with color and spirit?

Colorblind? No problem! This colorblind gardener fills his garden each year with amazing color combinations.

Gardens can be busy or serene. You pick what suits your personality.

Small space between the neighbor's house? No problem, just use some vines to create a quiet nook.

City parks in Buffalo offer great views and recreational activities.

The Japanese garden in Buffalo offers stunning views that change as you move through the garden.

Walk or kayak to see great sights in the Japanese garden.

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens also offer great indoor xeriscaping and specialty exhibits.

 

Buffalo gardeners are experts at using pots to enhance and expand gardening areas.

Trouble spot on the roots of old trees? Use sedums with shallow root systems to fill it with color.

There were so many great gardens and great gardening ideas that it was hard to pick favorites. Buffalo is a gardening paradise.

3. The people!!! All of the people that I interacted with in Buffalo, from the city bus drivers to the convention center staff to the volunteers for our trip, were amazingly friendly and helpful. Buffalonians really know how to show a crowd a good time. You will learn so many great stories and feel so welcomed by their friendly nature.

 If you ever get a chance to make it to garden walk in Buffalo, go check it out. You won't be disappointed.