Building raised flower beds

5 years ago

I have clay soil in some patrs of my garden and want to build some flower beds (60 cm tall by 300cm long) next to the brick boundary wall using standard breeze blocks to aid drainage and help plants grow better .
What type of foundation / footings is needed on clay soil to prevent the wall from cracking / collapsing? Do I need to lay bed of cement into the trench on top of the gravel to help drainage? Also how deep does the trench needs to be ? And finally do I need to line the inside of the beds with damp proof membrane ?
Many thanks

Comments (2)

PRO
Alexander John Garden Design & Maintenance
5 years ago
I would suggest you dig a trench footing 300mm in depth or spade depth and width. Then fill with cement ballast and level. Wait for the concrete to go off then start installing the blockwork to finish height. Line the base of the internal raised beds with pea shingle to aid drainage. I would not use a membrane on the internal walls of the raised bed or else you will be creating a tanking effect. Fill beds with 50% soil and 50 % gravel to aid drainage. Most plants will put up with this soil mix and drainage. I would face the external beds in either a tile cladding or timber fixed horizontally as in your image excerpt. Look forward to hearing reading what planting scheme your looking at.
mattweeksdj
5 years ago
Have you considered a timber bed that you can lay on top? Either way - do not under estimate the amount of soil needed to fill the beds back up. Just been through the process myself
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Building raised flower beds

Comments (2)

Alexander John Garden Design & Maintenance

mattweeksdj

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