I'd go for less work and do the lasagna method.

I created a bed a few years ago by trenching out the outline of the bed. I then applied roundup(you don't have to use roundup if you don't want to ~ I wanted to make sure the Bermuda grass was not going to be a problem). After about 5 days I put down several layers of dampened newspaper and added compost. It worked great for me.
Vikki

I'd definitely use compost instead of peat moss. Peat moss doesn't have any nutrients - it's more for moisture retention and adds some acidity to the soil, if you need it. Make sure you need it or you could change your soil pH too much. Also, peat is a non-renewable resource. If you need something for moisture retention good compost will work wonders.

I can't speak to the lasagna method because I don't do it. We don't get enough rain to break the materials down fast enough. But I do make lots of homemade compost. Everything gets a top dressing of it every spring and fall. If you are buying it, be sure it's not mostly wood product but has a high content of composted manure. Or you could use plain manure mixed into your topsoil (not fresh if you plan on planting right away). Roses love it!

HTH!
Diana

You can do a strip-and-flip job, which is where you shave the top layer of sod off and flip it over before building the lasagna bed on top. This has the benefit of smothering the grass, and allows the grass to break down below the soil, supplying more nutrients for your plants.

You can see the story of how I built a bed in an area of lawn using this method at the link below:

Here is a link that might be useful: The First Book of the Lasagna Bed

Thank you for the responses. I think the lasgana layering is the way to go, and I like the strip and flip method eaglesight (Lovely story by the way!!) and I'll get some compost to mix with my top soil....thanks Angelcub! I'll have to look out for somewhere to get manure, I don't know any local farmers.

I went one step further when I dug a strip up along side our gravel driveway, mind you this is not either a long or wide strip. I lifted the sod placed it on a tarp while digging the gravelly soil out sifting it onto a tarp. I put the sod upside down in the bottom of the trench, then filled in with the sifted soil with added compost. I planted a row of daylilies and mulched them with shavings. This spring I dug one of the clumps to give to my DIL and the soil looked like black gold. I just happened to have a new variety just waiting to plunk in the hole :o).

Annette