We gathered all the extra soil we had dug up and added year-old compost to it. We used our little Mantis tiller to mix it all together and it made some pretty good soil. After we raked the soil nice and smooth, we shoveled wood chips from the pile at the back of the property (again using our trusty, rusty garden cart pulled by the tractor / mower) and mulched the beds thoroughly.

We even managed to select and plant several B & B evergreens without arguing – a miracle!

So far, the terraced beds and the organic matter we added seem to have stopped erosion due to heavy rains. Another benefit? I can have an almost full-sun garden! I intend to move many of the irises to the new garden and hope the improved drainage and sunlight will prevent root rot which has been a problem the last two, very rainy springs. And, Wonderful Husband promises that I can finally have the water feature I’ve dreamed about for the last twelve years. That will be something to write about – IF it ever happens.

What advice would I give you if you were considering retaining walls? Call a contractor!

Seriously, here’s a few pointers:

Know your limitations; don’t expect to move big stones or take out tree stumps on your own. Call for help if you need it – it’s better than going to the hospital (or the funeral home).

Do your research, the internet’s full of “how to” information. Don’t forget to check with the local authorities to see if you will need permits or inspections.

Call 8-1-1 before you dig; someone will come out and locate all underground utility lines (water, sewer, electric, natural gas, internet and telephone lines). It’s a free service and beats having to pay a plumber or an electrician to repair what you didn’t know was there.

Don’t skimp on labor or materials – this is a big project that will, if done properly, last a long time. So, put in the work and use good materials. Do it right.

And, as always, Stay Green, Good Friends.