Happy New Year , may 2013 be a bountiful.
At the end of December we started building the first set of raised beds which will house the plants that form the Herboretum. After much deliberation we have chosen a company called Woodblocx to supply these raised beds. For, not only had I seen one of their beds at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show, but I also liked the design concept which enabled them to be easily assembled on our original hard standings with minimum impact to the established farm.
Henry and James, the proprietors of Woodblocx, kindly came down from Inverness and spent a day showing us how to build them.
It took just three days to build 11 beds.
Not only are the beds practical but they also have hidden secrets which makes them unique to the farm. Hannah sent to Woodblocx drawings of butterflies, bees and herbs which they have etched into the wood on various beds so creating a treasure hunt for our young visitors.
With the first 10 days in January being so mild we have been making the most of the weather and commenced filling the raised beds.
We started with a layer of hard core to help with the drainage followed by a good thick layer of our recycled compost.
We will then finish with a layer of top soil mixed with sharp horticultural grit. The beds will then be left to stand for 4-6 weeks to settle so that they can be topped up prior to planting. Whilst these beds are settling in we will build the second set on the other side of the Glasshouse and continue with propagation and potting on so that we are ready for the grand planting and our first Herb Friday.
© Jekka McVicar , Jekka’s Herb Farm, January 2013.
Thank you for your news on the raised beds. I think they are tremendous and love the etchings, so unique. Looking forward to seeing the herbs in them. A Happy New Year to you all. Maureen in the West Midlands. Date: Sun, 13 Jan 2013 18:17:19 +0000 To: mb.willetts@hotmail.co.uk
look forward to showing you around in the spring.
My husband and I (!) really enjoy your website, it is utterly brilliant and we look forward to each one. Thank you.
Many thanks, and a happy new year to you both.
thought you might like to see this x
Maggie MacMillan maggiemacmillan55@gmail.com
Look forward to showing you round in the spring??
Oh wow, they look great. I love the idea of the treasure hunt
I have some Woodblocx green lego – it’s great fun to play with.
Looking forward to seeing all the changes soon!
Can’t wait to show you around in the spring VP.
Love the unique detail Woodblocx have added for you. We used them on our stand at RHS chelsea last year with great success – so easy to use and look FAB.
BH
Yes I saw the raised beds there
we were opposite you!! and will be this year?? Woodblocx will be having their own stand for the first time.
Dear Jekka, Is it going to be opened this year or next year? I think I got mixed up! I thought it would be officially opened in 2014! I don’t think I can swing two trips this year!:) xo
it will be open this year where you will be able to see work in progress, and it will officially be opened next…
Yippee! Already planning a trip with Gloria for next year! Sssh! The Herbal Husband doesn’t know yet! A trip to Bristol and beyond next year! xo