Plans to Make a Raised Flower Bed

Raised flower beds include a wall that contains soil on top of the existing garden soil. Aside from their visual appeal, raised flower beds offer several advantages. In areas with poor soil, raised beds allow gardeners to grow plants that otherwise couldn't survive under the natural conditions. Raised gardens also make the bed more accessible to gardeners in wheelchairs or with mobility limitations. You can construct a raised flower bed out of numerous materials, including brick, stone, wood and metal. Building a garden bed constructed out of bricks or blocks requires few special skills, and looks attractive in many landscapes.

Stakes and string
Garden hose (optional)
Pruning shears
Nonselective herbicide
Clear plastic sheet (optional)
Tiller
Shovel
Concrete
3/4-inch metal reinforcing rod
Trowel
Mortar
Bricks or cinderblocks

Instructions

- 1
  Outline the dimensions of the flower bed using stakes and string or, if constructing a bed with curved edges, a garden hose.
- 2
  Remove any existing plants by cutting down large shrubs and trees and using a nonselective herbicide to kill smaller vegetation. For an organic alternative, cover the area with clear plastic for one to two months during hot weather.
- 3
  Till the soil.
- 4
  Dig a trench 6 to 12 inches deep and 16 to 18 inches wide. Keep the sides and bottom of the trench squared.
- 5
  Mix the concrete following the instructions on the packaging. Pour the concrete into the trench.
- 6
  Press the reinforcing rod into the center of the concrete and smooth the top of the concrete with a trowel. Allow the concrete to dry for four days.
- 7
  Wet the surface of the concrete and apply 3/4 to 1 inch of mortar. Cover only about 2 feet of concrete at a time to keep the mortar from drying as you work.
- 8
  Press the first brick into the mortar until about 1/2 inch of mortar remains between the brick and the concrete.
- 9
  Spread mortar onto the side of the next brick and set it beside the first brick, about a 1/2 inch away. Use the trowel to tap the brick into place and remove any excess mortar.
- 10
  Continue this process until you've completed the entire edge. Spread mortar on top of the first layer of bricks and repeat until you've raised the bed wall to the desired height.

How to Pick Flowers for Your Yard

How to Landscape on a Berm

Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens