For the most part, we have the mixed blessing/curse of sugar sand. Which makes it really easy to dig out sand to create raised bed. So, I might dig out 6" then put in a 4" edge and have a 10" 'raised' bed. Plus, as permanent plantings grow in; I have sneaky plans to raise the height of the current beds. I guess it is time to go get some current shots. But, this will give some ideas for what I have done so far. Tis all a learning experience, but even in my 'hood there have been no complaints about veggies in the front yard. Heck, most of the people don't realize the garden is a veggie garden. The best advice I can give you is - don't plant in rows or squares. Mix it up. Though, I do have to say it makes planning a challenge. To the lower left, you can see one of my new beds where I am experimenting with tiers, to allow me to get more depth in parts of the garden. On the left, you can see the other section of the new bed. It is still marinating and is currently holding pots. I am planting a perennial border around the bed, and once it has taken on good growth then I will raise this bed another 6". In the background center you can see a raised bed created with large field stone. Here is an older picture that shows a bit more of the overall form. I try to avoid square/rectangular boxes. I do have them, but then they have outer areas that are bordered with 'sexy curves'. Or meandering pathways. I would love to be able to do all our raised beds in stone, or something more architecturally interesting. Not in the cards for us right now, so I am working to grow visually pleasing plants on the borders. I have tried to place my 'bones' of the garden so there will be something pleasing to see even when no edibles are present. Bones can be hardscape, paths, perennials. I am working on having edges be mostly flowering annuals, bulbs or something with interesting borderish color. Then for the edibles, mix it up. And let stuff bolt; the flowers and seed pods add interest to the garden. I think. I'm still learning a lot myself. Experiment and see what works. Having a planting plan and plants growing up to go in harvested spots is my current challenge. Lack of full sun gardening spots is only part of my challenge. The other is funky mobility. So, I have wide paths and I have as many things I can spread around to grab hold of for balance and to lean my crutches against. It all works to add to the cottage'ie feel of the veggie garden though ... at least I tell myself. ~dianne

Thanks Whenicit and Rosewind. Have googled a lot but can't seem to find the right one. I have taken BH&G for probably 30 yrs. and let my subscription lapse about 6 mos. ago, wouldn't you know it? Will pick up a magazine tomorrow. Appreciate your efforts at scanning it. Don't think I will be putting the dishes back in hutch tonight as we finally finished the painting and am absolutely pooped. Hard on old people!

Oakley, I don't have much to suggest as I'm the one always sucking up your ideas for my own home. HA! I'll get to that in a minute. The only thing I would say is that the items on the top shelves need to be a little taller maybe. I also think that bolder colors would be better...like the thing (can't quite see what it is) on the bottom right shelf. You might remember that I copied your floor for my basement area. We just finished it a couple weeks ago and I love it! I knew I would. Would you mind telling me where you got your kitchen rug? I think I eventually want some kind of rug and was worried about what "might go" with the tile. I think your rug looks great! Thanks for your inspiration. I love your kitchen....and oh, what a dad blame shame your kitty broke the teapot! Thanks, pupwhipped

Hey Steph, Ya as far as laminates go I think it is pretty nice - I have actually seen them use it on Design Inc. Here are more pics but it doesn't show the counters too well and it looks extra shiney from the window but it is actually more on the matte side. It is not a straight edge and the seaming looks great. I actually bought it and had it installed by my brother in law's kitchen design company. I have heard mixed reviews on HD installers but that would be different in each area. Personally I change things up all the time and buying laminate gave me the option on new counters on a more regular basis and with 4 young kids we don't worry about them too much. Granite for me at this point was a big financial committment and also a design committment I was not ready to make just yet.