Tree Ring Garden

Mark your planting bed layout. You can lay out the design using a garden hose, which works well for curves. If you want an accurate circle, you can make a quick compass. Drive a landscape stake at the center of your layout and tie a string between the stake and a can of marking paint. Pull the string taut and spray the marking paint to create your layout line. 

Dig up and remove the turf from the bed area.

Using the layout marks on the ground as a reference, dig a trench 4 inches deep in the shape of the planting bed. Adjust the depth as needed to account for any slope in the ground. Remove the loose soil. Tamp the bottom of the trench to compact the soil. Check for level, adding and removing soil as necessary and tamping the soil firm.

Add a couple of inches of all-purpose gravel to the bottom of the trench to allow drainage. Spread the material evenly with a garden rake. Tamp and repeat to get a level base compacted to a depth of 4 inches. A firm, level base is key for building the walls of your raised bed.

Begin placing the first row of blocks. Check for level as you go, side to side and front to back. Add a bit of gravel to raise a block as necessary or tap it with a rubber mallet to lower it. Blocks that aren’t level create problems for the remaining rows.

You might need to cut a few blocks at some point to fit your layout. You can use a rafter/speed square, a chisel and a small sledgehammer to mark and cut a few blocks. It’s a good idea to practice on a spare block. If you have many blocks to cut, you might want to use a power saw. See our article, How to Cut Bricks, Patio Blocks and Pavers, for step-by-step instructions on cutting blocks. Once you have the first row of blocks down, wipe away any dust with a hand broom or deck brush.

You need to take safety precautions when cutting block. If using a hammer and chisel, you need safety glasses and work gloves. If using a power saw, you need hearing protection, safety glasses and a respirator.

Begin laying the second row of blocks. Apply generous beads of construction adhesive to the tops of the first row of blocks as you go to secure the second row. Stagger the joints on each row so each block spans a joint in the row below. Check for level as you go and press each block firmly into the adhesive to create a strong bond. Wipe away any dust.

Lay the final row using the procedure above. Backfill around the first layer of blocks with gravel as necessary to allow drainage and tamp down. Top with soil.

Now you’re ready to plant your new bed. Begin with a layer of landscape fabric to block weeds. Add premixed garden soil and make it easy to give your plants a good start. Add your plants. Our bed has:

1. A fast-growing tree
2. Long-living perennials
3. Colorful annuals

Reference the diagram for a recommended layout. See our guide to planting a tree if you’re adding a new tree to your landscape. Check the plant tags for tips on establishing and caring for your new plants. Finish with a layer of mulch to help retain moisture in the soil, but pull the mulch back an inch or so from the plant stems and two or three inches from the tree trunk.