Raised Beds, and bonus action shots

Finally finally, after a month of prep, we got the raised beds together and veggies planted. I came across this nice design a few months ago on the web and thought, "Gee, that would be great to do in our yard." So I immediately went out and got all the supplies I needed. Then I immediately went back out and got all the supplies I forgot the first time around, as well as a few new bits for the router. Since I don't have a table saw, (ahem) I used the router to cut dato edges and grooves in the top portions of the posts. Also had to use a chisel (I'm not very good at that) to "round" the edge of each 2x6 to fit in the grooved notches in the corner posts. The design is solid though, and the boards won't bow by doing it this way. Ambitious project? Maybe, but in the end, I got to use every power tool in my posession to make these things. So at least I can justify having 5 different saws. Go me!

Overall we think they came out really nice. But it was a serious effort to get them constructed. It took us a half day just to assemble the pieces, and then the other half to move the "NEVER DWINDLING MOUNTAIN OF DIRT" we had delivered. Using a wheelbarrow to transport dirt from the curb to the backyard entailed trudging up a hill, over the patio, up some steps and over the stones. Two days later though, we were planting veggies and admiring the views of the newly renovated backyard. Here are some pics. And yes, that's sun you see in the background. Who knew.

Uh yeah, that's not going anywhere anytime soon.

A man, his dog, (obviously being blinded by the sun) and 3 cubic yards of dirt

The beds, and a very tired pooch (tired from waiting around for us to finish building these things)

Close-up view of what's in store for the summer. We've got eggplant, broccoli, scallions, endive, spinach, peppers, herbs, and lettuce heads a'growing. We'll add tomatoes, tomatillos, strawberries, cantaloupe and potatoes to more raised beds on the other side of the house. Needless to say, we should eat well all summer long. Now, if only I could grow burgers....

And now, some action shots of the bert in flight.

Please notice the disc is at least 15 feet away from his mouth and the direction he chose to jump. Sigh, we have so much to work on.

After quickly changing in a phonebooth, he's off to save the day! Or chew on some plastic recycling, either or. Maybe we should have named him Elsie for those ears?