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The Structure of Our Vegetable Garden: A Dream Designed by Us

The Structure of Our Vegetable Garden: A Dream Designed by Us

The Structure of Our Vegetable Garden

When we renovated our 60-year-old home—the one we’ve lived in for the past 40 years and where we raised our family—one of our biggest dreams was to expand our vegetable garden. And as you can see in the first photo, we did just that! The original yard ended in line with the soffit of our house, but we wanted more: more space, more biodiversity, and more joy.

Now, some people might look at a yard expansion and think, “Pool!” or at least “More grass!” But that wasn’t my dream. While I do love grass, it doesn’t do much for biodiversity, requires a lot of water, and can introduce chemicals into the water table. Instead, I wanted a garden that would attract bees, birds, and butterflies—a space that would come alive and make a difference to our little corner of the world.

We knew exactly where the sun best hits our yard for growing vegetables, so we made that the focus. We chatted with a couple of landscape architects, but none of their ideas sparked anything exciting or original. I wanted the space to be as beautiful in the dead of winter as it would be when bursting with vegetables in the summer. So, I grabbed my pen and designed it myself.

The result? The most beautiful raised bed vegetable garden I have ever seen. Some say the layout looks like rays of sunshine radiating from the central fountain; others say it resembles flower petals with the fountain as the heart of the bloom. Every detail was intentional. I made sure there was at least two feet of space between each bed for easy access, even with a wheelbarrow. I also added lanes to the largest section so that every inch of the bed could be reached with ease.

And after I designed the structure of the vegetable garden, my husband took the initiative to stain the vegetable boxes. The non-toxic stain not only helps preserve the wood, making it last longer, but also enhances the beauty of the color. His thoughtful touch added even more charm to the garden, making it feel both practical and stunning.

The fountain at the center of the garden is one of my favorite elements. It usually buzzes with happy birds enjoying a drink or a quick bath, bringing even more life to the space. And then there’s our big, goofy, wonderful dog, who thinks the fountain is his personal water bowl. Seeing him happily lapping up a drink while birds flutter around makes the garden feel even more alive and joyful.

With sustainability in mind, 4 out of the 5 beds are equipped with a water reservoir system from Lifespace Gardens. This system ensures efficient watering, using far less water than traditional irrigation—perfect for both the plants and our peace of mind.

Now, when I look out from my office window, with lavender framing my view, I see my vegetable garden, whether it’s in its winter slumber or summer glory, and I feel pure joy.

One thing we learned during the reno is that the parts of the project we love the most are the ones we designed ourselves. I designed the vegetable garden, and my husband took the lead on the fencing. In the end, we worked together, even though we were exhausted by that final step. But oh, was it worth it—the fencing is gorgeous, a perfect frame for our garden.

This garden isn’t just a place to grow vegetables. It’s a dream realized, a reflection of our love for our home, and a space that continues to bring life, beauty, and joy to every season. ❤️

 

During the Summer Growing Season

On a Grey Winter Morning

 
 
 
 
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