Optimizing Growing Space in the Garden 📈

Our consultation approach embodies a theme that has existed for millennia: optimizing available space for growing food. The Aztecs created floating, ultra-rich raised beds (chinampas); the Incas terraced their heavily inclined hills; the Romans used aqueducts and terra cotta piping to irrigate gardens and farms. Today, we’ll highlight a project of ours with some ancient inspiration. During a recent consultation, there was a small bit of the landscape that caught our attention: a somewhat drab, bare bit of hill (see below) that was offering the client little more than a headache. The hill had been compacted and eroded for years and was in desperate need of rejuvenation… This hill led up to a somewhat inaccessible plateau in the side yard.

 A view of the hill that our client wanted to make productive for the family! 

 

The plan for a terraced raised bed system hatched! Ancient engineering at its finest! It was a natural conclusion that would no doubt introduce navigability, aesthetics, and instrumental value to the space. After much measuring and discussion, we had enough to part ways with the client and then follow-up with a design and quote for installation.


The napkin sketch our client received. This phase 1 focused on the terraced raised beds shown at the top right of the sketch. Future phases intend to include natural drainage solutions and plant installation.

After the quote was approved, we got our shovels grooving. When dealing with sharp inclines and tight spaces like this, heavy equipment becomes less functional. So, having a dexterous and capable crew becomes a necessity — something we are thankfully blessed with at CoFo!


The first few steps… this install used thick, wooden timbers that will surely stand the test of time.

The first few steps… this install used thick, wooden timbers that will surely stand the test of time.


With the steps in place, our focus could move on to the terraced raised beds. With the beds in place, the last bit of work was a healthy spread of compost to bolster the native soil and a topping of mulch — surely to be appreciated by the first round of plants that live on this hill. SCROLL to see the final product…


 
And just like that, our client is free to begin dreaming! This once idle and unproductive hill is now brimming with opportunities.

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