Raised bed installation, Part 3

I'm about half way there!  Here's an interesting dilemma: I have more space than I expected, and I haven't even put in the last four beds.  I may have to grow more vegetables...

The last few days have mostly been about putting down more weed block and getting my cucumber tank moved.  I have always used a hugelkultur type approach to larger containers.  Chunks of wood and sticks in the bottom, a layer of natural composty stuff (leaves, the nasty hay left over in the mule paddock after winter, pine needles, etc.) over that, a layer of aged mule poo, a layer of dirt, and then any soil amendments I may think necessary mixed in (peat moss, vermiculite, etc.).  I think I've explained the theory before, but basically the wood rots slowly and helps to create pockets of air and moisture, the composts rot and help to create heat, and it creates a nutrient filled bed of rich organic materials.  Eventually. 

When I began to deconstruct my stock tank garden, one of the things I was pleased to find was the layer of natural compost had really broken down nicely.  I dug everything out except the wood and moved the tank to the new garden, then added some more mule poo and replaced the soil.  Hopefully this will be the last time I have to disturb the natural decaying process in this tank.

You can see how nicely the organic materials have broken down over the sticks. 

Mule poo in, now covering with soil.  I'll fill it nearly to the top.

Once it was filled, all I needed to do was add the arch (welded wire and plastic water pipe zip-tied together - it's lasted over 5 growing seasons so far!) and my cucumber plants.  I think once the bark mulch is down, I'll put a small bed underneath the arch for a second planting of one of the cool weather crops.  I'm not sure what, but by the time I plant, the cucumber vines will provide dappled sunlight for a more shade tolerant crop like lettuce or radish.  I'll plant sweet basil in front of the cucumbers to utilize the extra space in the stock tank.  I did that last year, and it worked really well.

At the top of the slope I have the 3 cherry tomato plants in containers, and I've started placing peony plants to see where I'd like them planted.  I am going to try to find a hardy lavender to also plant along the front of the stone wall. 

I've given up trying to dig up all the day lilies my mother had tossed over the bank and allowed to run free.  They'll add a little color in mid to late summer.  I also finally planted my horseradish plant.  This is a piece off a plant I've had for years.  My Grampy gave me a cut top off his plant and told me to put it in water until it had a good root system, then plant it.  I did just that, and the plant thrived.  I've taken a piece of that plant with me every time I've moved.  It's a connection to my Grampy, and horseradish is also a pretty plant.  It has delicate white flowers, and paired with the cream colored peonies, is really quite beautiful.  Plus I love those Jurassic sized leaves.

horseradish surrounded by a stone circle so I don't step on it

horseradish flowers at my previous house

peony surrounded by horseradish flowers

Sunday I have a load of bark mulch coming, so the plan now is to set up the last of the raised beds today, and get the weed block down in preparation.  Busy, busy!