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Attractive raised bed options for schools

  • 1.  Attractive raised bed options for schools

    Posted 05-06-2022 10:21:00 AM
    Hi all!!   As the year is winding to an end and the gardens are growing well, my thoughts are turning to new raised bed options.

    I'm looking for raised bed systems (or ideas) that are not rectangles or ovals, but ones that can be created to have very organic shapes.   It would be lovely to have beds that have curves that remind children of a stream--or even can be made into the shape of a flower.  

    I'd love to see any images of folks who have created this in their gardens.

    Many thanks!

    Anne

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    Anne Santana
    STEM Garden Educator
    North Hi Mount Elementary
    Fort Worth, Tx
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  • 2.  RE: Attractive raised bed options for schools

    Posted 05-06-2022 11:10:00 AM
    You could always use old tires of different sizes to make a flower design.

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    Karen Lambing
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  • 3.  RE: Attractive raised bed options for schools

    Posted 05-07-2022 05:06:00 PM
    https://gardening.ces.ncsu.edu/2019/02/there-are-better-options-than-using-tires-in-the-garden/

    --
    Bianca Aniski, MEd, RN
    NJDOE Certified School Nurse / Teacher of Health
    Garden Coordinator
    Ethel A. Jacobsen Elementary School
    200 Barnegat Ave.
    Surf City, NJ 08008
    609 494 2341 X 1105
    FAX 609 494 0362
    baniski@lbischools.org

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  • 4.  RE: Attractive raised bed options for schools

    Posted 05-10-2022 12:48:00 PM
    This resource is really helpful!  

    Thank you so much!

    All my best,
    Anne

    ------------------------------
    Anne Santana
    STEM Garden Educator
    North Hi Mount Elementary
    Fort Worth, Tx
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Attractive raised bed options for schools

    Posted 05-10-2022 08:27:00 AM
    PLEASE don't use old tires. There are too many health hazards with them. 
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/tires-as-planters-for-edibles.htm

    --
    Michelle Zupan
    Curator 
    Hickory Hill & the Tom Watson Birthplace
    502 Hickory Hill Drive
    Thomson, GA  30824
    706-595-7777
    FAX: 706-595-7177

    Visit us at www.hickory-hill.org or on Facebook.
    Follow us on Twitter: HHEducation

    Historic homes of the Watson-Brown Foundation, Inc








  • 6.  RE: Attractive raised bed options for schools

    Posted 05-10-2022 12:46:00 PM
    Thanks so much!  When I arrived at my school, I did find a pile of tires ready for projects.   I have not used them yet--think it would be best to not use them with edibles.

    Best,
    Anne

    ------------------------------
    Anne Santana
    STEM Garden Educator
    North Hi Mount Elementary
    Fort Worth, Tx
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Attractive raised bed options for schools

    Posted 05-06-2022 11:11:00 AM
    You could always use old tires of different sizes to make a flower design.

    ------------------------------
    Karen Lambing
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Attractive raised bed options for schools

    Posted 05-06-2022 11:31:00 AM
    Hi Anne. 

    How TALL do you want them to be?  Do you need them to be accessible for children in wheelchairs? 

    Keyhole designs that are about 3 feet high work best for kids with wheelchairs. 

    For your curving beds, Frame It All sells curved recycled plastic boards and connectors. 

    **Caveat** I have had edging and square beds made from this material for 4 years -- the newer boards I bought 2 years ago are a lot less durable than those I bought 4 years ago, so you may have to replace them in less than 4 years.** 

    --
    Michelle Zupan
    Curator 
    Hickory Hill & the Tom Watson Birthplace
    502 Hickory Hill Drive
    Thomson, GA  30824
    706-595-7777
    FAX: 706-595-7177

    Visit us at www.hickory-hill.org or on Facebook.
    Follow us on Twitter: HHEducation

    Historic homes of the Watson-Brown Foundation, Inc








  • 9.  RE: Attractive raised bed options for schools

    Posted 05-10-2022 12:49:00 PM
    I love the look of the curving frames-both for school and my house!!!

    Thank you so much!

    Anne

    ------------------------------
    Anne Santana
    STEM Garden Educator
    North Hi Mount Elementary
    Fort Worth, Tx
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: Attractive raised bed options for schools

    Posted 05-06-2022 02:13:00 PM
    Take a look at pictures of SPIRAL BEDS.
    They are beautiful, kids can design and make them themselves and they work great for plants with different needs.  I have seen ones for herb gardens.

    ------------------------------
    janet Lawson
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  • 11.  RE: Attractive raised bed options for schools

    Posted 05-11-2022 02:31:00 PM
    These are the raised beds we created at our school. I wanted an organic shape, so these are somewhat kidney shaped, but could be anything. They are lined with stainless steel edging at the top (for sturdiness) and landscape fabric down the sides and onto the ground. We had a build day with families to get these done.

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    Beth Music
    Sheridan, Wyoming
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  • 12.  RE: Attractive raised bed options for schools

    Posted 12-15-2023 04:09:00 AM

    If you want a variety of shapes for your garden then I think you should consider galvanized raised garden beds, or if possible, you can make your own wooden garden beds.
    The choice of material will be related to your desired shape.



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    Harry Sawyers
    California
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