My new garden plot

This is my new garden plot, about 10X16 '. It was supose to be 10X22', but I was putting down newspapers, then coffee grounds and then compost. I ran out of grounds and compost. I'm not sure how deep the finished product should be, but I measured in a few spots, and it's between 7½ and 9½". It's pretty wet as is, but I'm sure it'll sink down more when I water it good. Obviously, I need to level it better.

Two things I need to know--what's a good depth?

And--what would be a CHEAP and easy border to hold everything in? Landscape timbers would be a little pricey to get it high enough. I'm thinking about using these sandstone rocks. We have tons of it out here, and I could do a little at a time. I really don't want to dig a trench, pour a foundation, etc., but I'm not sure it would hold up if I just put it together with cement. Give me your thoughts, please.

We have relatives down in the Fredericksburg area, and they have all these stone fences. Just wonder how they do those. Of course, they're bigger and therefore, more stable..........just wondering.

Congratulations Sybil!!! you finally did it.
I think the stones would be ideal, go for it and have fun.
Josephine.

That's fabulous! And a ton of work, I admire you. Make sure to post a picture when you're done.
Janet

Way to go, Sybil!! So glad that you're getting this done. I would think a sandstone wall would work. As you say, they're plentiful and free and you could do it a bit at a time. In the meantime, you could get some of that black landscape edging, then set the rocks in front of it to hide it later on. That way, you wouldn't lose any dirt. Where is this bed on your property? I see your fencing in the background. You'll be needing LOTS of sun loving natives for that bed!!

I've seen some very creative borders; wine bottles with the necks buried and set at a slight angle(saved by your local bar/restaurant for you) or broken pieces of 12 inch china plates (ask your local thrift shop to save the broken ones for you) with the designs facing outward. All free and recycled!

Well, Stephanie, the new bed is on the other side of those two raised beds I made summer before last. They're on the south side of the house almost to the tree line. I've moved those two huge compost bins back out behind the round pen. I had to admit (and agree with my husband) that they were a tad bit unsightly up that close to the house, but mainly I moved them because that silly old sun takes a different route in summer than in winter. Where they were, they got daytime sun, but as summer gets closer and the trees leaf out, they would be all shaded. Ahhhhh, the life and challenges of the farmer............