Container Makeover, Denver

[Ricky Shaw]

I've got big plans. Construction has begun with moving some posts and taking down the the garden frame.

This is what I have, raised beds loosely arranged in an area 12x46, with a 8x20 spur left along the back fence line. This patch has produced very well at times, though along the right fence has been a troublesome high heat area.

The plan is to put fabric pots on slightly elevated off-ground 6" racks with white vinyl lattice tops for reflection and air circulation. The racks will be grouped more to the center, getting off the hot fence line, and will incorporate eye-popping trellis work with a gravity flow water system irrigating single or multiple racks.

I'll use the soil in the beds to make a gentle grade and fill other low spots in the yard. Materials should be minimal as I'll be using the lumber from the raised beds.

Here's how it will look, I'll keep you filled in as I go and comments are welcomed.

[Ricky Shaw]

Here's the now.

[lexxluthor]

Nice job !

[Ricky Shaw]

Working today on deconstructing one of the raised beds that held some played out determinants. From two of the sideboard 2x8's , I can get this 2'x8' platform. Took a while to get the wobble out, some ugly timber.

The warpage to the lumber has been considerable and it has me rethinking the idea of making the deck on these from vinyl lattice. These boards will continue to warp and buckle the decking in short time. Another alternative would be to buy shelving or bread racks and just place them crosswise. Sometimes I see stuff like this at the Habitat for Humanity store, I'll check it out.

[Ricky Shaw]

This one was just to hold the lumber and I'll work on them gradually. I'm an old dude and things take time, but the racks are plenty sturdy and will get prettier as I go.

My Texas Tomato Cages came, and that UPS guy was grunting.

[Zana]

Definitely interesting Ricky. Take your time, who knows....you might come up with variations on the original ideas while you're pondering the whole thing.

[Ricky Shaw]

Hi Lex, Zana.

Zana you're exactly right, I'm averaging an epiphany a day. Yesterday was the idea of adding a third trellis bed of pole beans along that fence and push the cherries to the back right corner.

And today, in building the lumber rack, the mobility of a smaller 2'x8' as opposed to a 3x8 or 4x8 platformed rack.

I've not had this much fun since the downstairs remodel, seriously.

[ddsack]

What a great project, it will look really classy when you are done. I always admire people with carpentry skills.

[Ricky Shaw]

Hi dd,

My carpentry skills are limited, I can build a box or a frame. I have made a lot of rustic furniture type things through the years, cabinets, end tables, headboards.

I like to work with southern yellow pine with varnish or shellac finishes as opposed to the modern polyurethanes. The furniture ages to a honey yellow over time, I like that. These pieces are about 15 years old and down in the basement.

[Gerardo]

Originally Posted by Ricky Shaw

Hi dd,

My carpentry skills are limited, I can build a box or a frame. I have made a lot of rustic furniture type things through the years, cabinets, end tables, headboards.

I like to work with southern yellow pine with varnish or shellac finishes as opposed to the modern polyurethanes. The furniture ages to a honey yellow over time, I like that. These pieces are about 15 years old and down in the basement.

Great angles. Nice!

[Ricky Shaw]

Thanks Gerardo. I enjoy making them, and the little ones are sturdy enough to stand on to change a bulb.

[barefootgardener]

Ricky, Hellman's Worth, nice job on your carpentry skills! Beautiful work gentleman!!

Ginny

[Zana]

Originally Posted by Ricky Shaw

Hi dd,

My carpentry skills are limited, I can build a box or a frame. I have made a lot of rustic furniture type things through the years, cabinets, end tables, headboards.

I like to work with southern yellow pine with varnish or shellac finishes as opposed to the modern polyurethanes. The furniture ages to a honey yellow over time, I like that. These pieces are about 15 years old and down in the basement.

Okay, Ricky,

Just went back to look at your work and what should catch my eye, other than your fine craftsmanship? But your verrrrrrry ecclectic record collection: Black Sabbath's Paranoid, Yma Sumac's Voice of the Xtabay, Kay Starr and Rolling Stones' Let It Bleed!!!!

Cool!!!

[Ricky Shaw]

Thank you Ginny.




Zana, the Xtabay and Kay Starr are badly scratched 78's, mostly decoration. I do have a decent rock catalog on vinyl from the 60's thru 80's, because we're fortunate to have some excellent used record stores with expansive selections.

When I first got to Denver in the mid 70's, everyone had LP collections, and big ones. I was struck at the way everyone had plastic album covers, Disc Washers, and fanatical about the care of their records. It paid off because you can find tons of albums in great shape and most are in the $3-$8 range. I have several hundred in very good shape and don't think I've ever paid more than $20 on an album and most average under $6. There's a couple of turntables in the house and we listen to albums every day.

[Worth1]

Looks wonderful I made my head board out of 2x12 Douglas fir and my table saw.
I'll take anything over laminated cheap particle board.
Being what it was for I looked for stuff with knots in it.

Worth


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