Jen Fulkerson

Thanks Phil that was a nice way to let me know I messed up. I was on my lunch break and trying to be quick and posted pictures of an eggplant.
I fixed it. I'm sure I have light pink hollyhocks, but can't find any pictures of that one. I will be sure to post a new picture this summer.
Sorry everyone, my bad.

I planted a flower seed mix several years ago in a bed just outside of my veggie garden. Hollyhocks grew and bloomed the first year (I think some varieties bloom in the first year, and some bloom in year two) I have had hollyhocks ever since. I love them, but they have become a kind of weed. I let them grow where I can, and pull the rest.

Great idea Nancy.  I was going to cut it into sections to make some Christmas deer. My son and I made one for the Santa picture display at my work 2025. It was a big hit and I got several offers to buy it. (I gave it to a co-worker who adores Christmas) I may still use some of the wood for that, but I like the idea of something for my home. I will have to think about that.
Nothing will go to waist. I'm a crazy plant lady, and always building just one more raised bed. ( I've got to stop saying that, everyone knows it's a lie) I always fill the beds hugel style. I'm sure some will end up in a bed. I do have a little chipper that works great for small stuff.

Unfortunately I mentioned it to my son, and in a very short time he had to tree cut down and the trunk dug out. It was very fast. Maybe one of the reasons it affected me so.  No chance to change my mind.    

I thought about trying to grow a seedling, but the only volunteers were the ones that grew very close to the trunk. I think they are called root saplings, or something like that, and I believe the don't grow a productive tree. I'm not clear on any of that.  I decided to buy a bare root, and start a new.

I have never grafted. The one section still alive shot straight up and was quite thick. I don't know if it was a good candidate for my first try.

Thanks for sharing your story, and suggestions. It's nice to know there are like minded people who also understand the loss of an old and valuable friend, even if it's a tree.

When we bought our house more than 30 years ago there were two mature apricot trees. We have done our best most years to care for them, though some times we didn't.
One of the trees started to decline. Then it had a section that looked healthy and seem to be growing very well. Unfortunately a plum tree was growing next to the apricot, so close it intertwined. when it started to set fruit I realized what happened. The plums were terrible, so we cut it down,  Pruned the apricot, fertilized it tried to keep it watered. After 2 years I decided to cut it down. It was down to one living section. I'm the one to make the decision, I will plant a new tree, but for some reason it makes me very sad. It's been such an amazing delicious tree.

I did put 3 coats of boiled linseed oil on the inside and 2 coats on the outside. I hope this will extend the longevity of the bed.
As far as stunted growth I think it will depend on what he decides to grow. I was thinking he would grow veggie, and a lot have short roots. When I dropped it off he mentioned filling it with flowers. Not what I intended, but a gift is a gift, so as long as he enjoys it, I will be happy.

I grew black velvet bean this year. I wasn't sure I would get any beans, the vine grew ok, the leaves often turned yellow. I was happy to see beans finally developed in late summer, maybe it was fall, I'm not sure, but it was quite late. I left them on the vine to dry out. We were supposed to get a frost (didn't happen) so I removed the pods, placed them on a tray I use to dry veggies and herbs. I also put butterfly pea pods on the same rack I keep the rack in the barn.
I'm home sick today, but the chickens still have to be fed. I went into the barn to grab a basket for the eggs, and noticed all the black velvet bean pods gone. not even one left. They have only been there a few days. The butterfly peas are all still there.  I'm so bummed, but I should know better. I use the tray to dry garlic, and onions, and never had a problem I just didn't think a critter would steal my beans, that was pretty dumb of me.
My hope was to grow the beans grown in my area, hoping they would grow better. Lesson learned I will have to buy black velvet bean seeds and start over.

I decided to use wood for the gaps for the most part. For the one I made to give away I bought cedar fence pickets, and 2x4s. I cut the rounded sides off. I can use those to fill gaps. I think it turned out well. I made  it a little deeper on one end for veggies that have deeper roots.  My brother-in-law seemed to really like it.
Thanks again for all your great help.

Megan great idea, I've always wanted to make my own baskets, I'm definitely putting it on my seed list.
William that's the exact wood I bought. I ripped the rounded sides off the  2x4 and cut the board in half. Then as I was building it I decided the 1 3/4 X1 3/4 were to wimpy to use for the legs. I ended up using pallet 2x4s for the legs. it's not the look I was going for, but I think it looks fine, and will be strong. I'm definitely not a carpenter, but I enjoy making wood projects, and for myself I'm fine with wonky corners and such. I'm trying to do better for this project. I will post a picture when I'm done.
Sara that's the best pallet I have ever seen. I would say at least where I live it's a very rare palette. It's wonderful you have access to them.  I work for a co-op, and will put my name on a good one when I see it. Also one of my coworkers will let me know if there's a good one.
Su that's a good idea.  I have an old washer I can use. It's so hot here in the summer I have had bad luck with metal. I also had a terrible time with grow bags, but I have discovered if I put the grow bag in the metal container I get good results. Now I'm wondering if grow bags have plastic in them. 😔 I really wish plastic wasn't in everything. I guess I will reserve them for flowers.
Thanks everyone, I have really enjoyed all your thoughts and ideas.

WOW this is why I love Permies! So many amazing ideas, Thank you very much.
First I will answer the questions. I have so many gophers it's pointless to plant in the ground unfortunately. To compromise my favorite way is to make a raised bed with hardware cloth on the bottom of the bed. I dig a two foot hole under the bed and filled it hugel beet style. The research I've done, and the good people of Permies have assured me galvanized steel is relatively safe to use.
Some of the beds are tall, and don't have contact with the native soil. I'm about to build a shadow tall bed for my brother-in-law. The answer to what kind of beds I make is all of the above.
I love the tile suggestion, but I don't have any, and for the most part I try not to buy any more than I have to. It's a good thing. I wanted the bed I'm building for my brother-in-law to be nice, so I bought the wood, and even using fence pickets, and 2x4s cost about 30.00. the next time I'm dismantling a pallet and asking myself if it's worth the trouble, I know it is.
For the one I'm giving away I think I will use flashing, or aluminum tape, or wood strips, because I want it to last a long time. For myself I think I will try stuffing the cracks with branches, or sunflower stalks, I have a bunch of those. I will find out how long they hold up, and if the soil will stay in place once they break down. I don't know why it never occurred to me, but I love it.
Than you are for the wonderful suggestions, I really appreciate your help!