Raised Bed Garden Plans: Ideas for the Ornamental Garden

(You can find more information on the size of beds, materials etc, at raised bed garden design), whilst raised bed gardening provides a general overview of this gardening technique).

In the ornamental garden you can be as creative as you wish. For the maximum impact create raised beds on different levels and use a mixture of permanent and seasonal planting.

Shade is not such a problem as in the vegetable garden - there are plenty of attractive, shade loving plants you can grow. (If you want to grow vegetables take a look at the design tips and sample plans for the raised bed vegetable garden).

The most important factor in creating successful raised bed garden plans is to make sure that the design will work for you. Base the design around the way you and your family actually use (or would like to use) your garden. When you've finished your plan, imagine yourself actually in the new garden and check that it allows you the freedom to enjoy it to the full.

Sample Raised Bed Garden Plans

For example...

	...if you enjoy relaxing outdoors with a good book, use a series of raised beds to create a secluded, tranquil corner where you can read in peace. A bench alcove can be created very simply by using L-shaped raised beds.
	...if you love the style of old, formal gardens, create a simple geometric series of beds, paths and open spaces to recreate the formal look in your own garden.
	...if you enjoy dining al fresco and entertaining in your garden, use raised beds to create shelter and screening around a patio dining area.

Don't let the thought of complicated construction work deter you because many raised bed kits are now available in a range of different shapes and heights making it easy to create very sophisticated layouts.

An important point: if you have small children make sure that they have enough clear space to play safely and remember to avoid sharp corners on the beds. You can even turn one of the raised beds into a sandpit for them to play in - once they have outgrown it you just fill it with soil and plant it up!