Billme- the one constraint is that the beds cannot be a permanent structure, as there is a pipeline nearby. But thank you for the nod, I did spend quite a bit of time planning this out, lol. Weedlady- insight is much appreciated. This is in fact only my second year gardening, so this is more an aggressively planned expansion than a dream. The dream garden is more along the lines of Billme's operation, but this is baby steps. I managed to do almost everything wrong last year, so I've amended as much as possible this time around. To some of your devil's advocacy: during summer, only one corner doesn't get full sun - that'll be for leafy greens. I had great success last year using the fabric to kill existing weeds, but I do recognize the downside of it. That being said, it's still my most practical option at the moment. Once the sun starts hitting it, everything below exposed fabric gets cooked. It'll never be 100% weed-free, but it's the best start I could muster. The game plan for harvest is to give away/sell whatever can't be stored or used, and if all else fails, there certainly are tons of shelters near me to benefit. Compost plans are on the table, but some fencing needs to be moved prior to that, and I still have all summer to deal with that aspect =) until then, I get mushroom compost for $3/yard, and I'm starting with a very fertile gravelly loam, so I have a bit of leeway in that regard. As for help, I do have it, but not for the back breaking labor, (other than paying friends with Belgian beer, but honestly I'd rather save it for myself ;) but I knew that going in and planned accordingly. Harvest help is abundant and easier to explain, to boot. If I survive moving all the compost 200 feet and down a hill (estimating nearly 1 yard per bed at 24 beds) I'll post some pics before and after covering the boxes...from a wheelchair probably, lol. Thanks again all, the support and validation makes it all a little nicer =) Cheers -Rathos

I agree, the quality of treated has declined greatly over the past few years. The primary change has been a cost-saving move to skipping the KDAT (kiln-dried after treatment) step. This results in wood that twists and shrinks a lot after the deck frame is nailed together. Resulting problems are often blamed on the decking surface. I'm glad you identified the problem before installing the decking. I think you will be glad if you give it a few days to do its thing before planing, sometimes snapping a line and circular saw is quicker, then you will have shim stock for the low spots. This problem can also show up on the fascia trim boards, if the frame shrinks it will make the fascia warp. So if the frame is 'preshrunk' you will be better off. On future decks you can look for the KDAT stamp and avoid some of this extra work. KDAT minimizes shrinking, twisting, and warping. It can also be stained, painted, or sealed immediately. Also, it is lighter and therefore easier to handle, and it does make for better nail holding strength, although the lumber itself is not any stronger. By the way, I think the T'Tech Floorizon can span 24" (but check with them first).

Hi There!! Your projects sounds great!!! You could use metal or plastic boxes as long as you give them a slurry coat of mortar first(slurry>thincoat with a paintbrush)then use mortar to apply your peices straight onto the box. or some people put their mosaic on mesh and then transfer/mortar it onto the box. I am using drywall tape to get the slurry to stick to what I want...drywall tape is my new friend! it is self adhesive so stays in place long enough to get that first slurry on. Drywall tape is a fiberglass mesh. My opinions expressed...whatever you decide, hope you stick around and post some work in progress pics!!! Welcome Aboard!!! Jane

Hi Mimi. I haven't been "around" in a while, but I have been starting to check in again the last few days. I just saw your post and wanted to say it looks GREAT! I love your new mantle with your room. The size is great and the style fits you perfectly. Glad you are so happy with it. Maybe you can darken the frame a bit or get a new frame. The picture itself is a great fit with the room, IMO. Enjoy!