Thanks, Lynn, for the explanation of your drainage and the way you changed your soil and beds. I've always loved the way you plant semps in the cinder block holes. Was that your idea? I would not have thought it would look so attractive, but it really does. Some of the blocks toward the back of this picture seem to have a nice stone-like texture to the outside. I like that, too. When we get moved in and settled in Tennessee, I hope to do a section with the super draining soil and succulents. Can't wait to have a yard again after a tiny patio.

The blocks are what are called split face cinder block. http://www.deckerhomeservices....
Only one side has that surface. Unfortunately when we started using the blocks delivered on pallets, not all had the split face feature. I should have taken the plain ones back and had them replace with the split face. But I was in a hurry.
Here is one of the beds with delosperma growing in the holes on one end of the bed.

Lynn you do have magic soil!

I will share it with you Greg.

Lynn you always share your magic on here and in person Thank you

Greg, I think we are so fortunate to have this website, because we all share our magic.

Just came in for a bite of lunch, then back out to work in the beds. I'm just about ready to re-grit them all, then they will be set for winter.

Good work Lynn!!

Lynn, thank you for the explanation of your cinder blocks and the great picture. Seems like it would be a nice method of starting smaller semps and then when they grow and spread, you can move them into the big bed. (I know, easier said than done). Although she doesn't grow semps, you might be interested in seeing how Melody Johnson grows everything in cinder block beds in Tennessee. She harvests tons of veggies and fruit from them. http://www.mixitupmel.blogspot.... I'm going to send her a picture of your method because she might want to utilize the holes, too.

Judith the link isn't showing anything. Do you have to belong to her blog to see things? I would love to see what she does.

I try to plant the tiny/small varieties of succulents in the cinder block holes, that way I don't have to worry about moving them. Just have to thin them out once every year or two.

I also grow veggies in the holes. Right now I have two types of thyme growing in cinder block holes. They have been there for three years now and do great.

I removed part of the link address you have posted above and found this. http://www.mixitupmel.blogspot...

Which kind of thyme are you growing, Lynn?

Thymus citriodorus (Lemon Thyme) and Thymus vulgaris (French culinary thyme). Love them both. And I have baby plants if you would like some Bev?





I prune it back i the spring when new growth starts. It is evergreen so provides yummy thyme year round.