Do any of you have raised beds made of cinder blocks? I'm thinking of building some.

Is moisture retention a problem? I'm wondering if they would suck up a lot of water.

Also, do they become more attractive as they age? I don't want to stain them. I've thought about doing the buttermilk/yogurt thing, but it's so hot and dry here that I don't think that would work... Have also considered spraying them with ironite or some other "natural" thing in order to change the color.

Thanks,

tr