Dee wrote: I wonder if you could get a heuchera to drape Isnt "Redstone Falls" heucherella advertised as being a trailer? I am just not sure how far it will trail. Maybe a GW member has some experience with one. See this link: Here is a link that might be useful: Redstone Falls

None of the plants have been in the ground long enough to make moving them now a problem, so go ahead and make the changes now. As far as what to use for the raised bed, this is largely a matter of personal taste. Stone, however, has many advantages: it can be arranged in pleasing curves much more easily than other materials, it will look more natural over time as it weathers and grows moss, it will not support insect infestations and will last for a millenium or two. Beware of the concrete materials at home stores. Almost all shade plants need acid soil and the free lime which will leach from concrete materials may be a problem if it is a relatively small bed.

Over the years, I have constructed raised beds in my woodland rear garden, that vary in height from 12" to 30". You must be careful to observe the root zone of existing trees and not cover them with more than a few inches of additional soil. The elevated beds will also need weep holes at the base for drainage to relieve the hydrostatic pressure exerted by stored water. Have seen elevated flower beds at some public gardens, constructed for the enjoyment of all, but especially those in wheelchairs. I have mostly small plants at the front of the beds and the tall one's at the rear. There is a mixture of native and non-natives, for year around interest. After many nights of frost and freezes, the deciduous shrubs and herbaceous perennials have hibernated for the winter, but the evergreen Asarum, Heuchera, Goodyera, Helleborus and some ferns will provide winter interest. Although my property is a designated Wildlife habitat, I avoided planting berried plants and grasses in these beds to limit the maintenance requirements. Advanced age has it's limitations. I'm afraid! Good luck and enjoy your efforts, it's well worth the time and energy! RB

It definitely is wider than recommended. You should be able to reach to the middle of the bed without stepping on it and compacting the soil. Four feet wide is pretty standard unless you have short arms. The railroad ties don't look too awful, but maybe the bad spots don't show in the photo. What you use depends on the look you want. You can continue the cement blocks or put wood around the sides. The use of railroad ties is a bit controversial because of the creosote in the wood. Redwood is another option. You can plant small herbs in the holes in the cement blocks if you use those. This is my 4 x 7 garden last year. Here is a link that might be useful: What's Growing On?