Different kind of 55 gallon barrel bed

I was improving a bed at the community garden, when I got an idea.
Lay a plastic barrel down on its side and stake it in place so it doesn't roll.
Build a raised bed with the barrel forming one end.
Set up drip irrigation with a valve at the barrel and 1/2 gallon emitters as the end points.
Each emitter is pinned under a small flower pot, and the pots are buried in sawdust .
The sawdust I stopped with compost.
We cut a hole at the apex of the barrel, big enough to hold a bucket.
We cut the bottom off a bucket, and slide it in place.
This gives us access to the interior, but we can close the hole with a bucket lid, or a second bucket with a plant in it.