It is beautiful!

I agree that it does look both wider and shorter.

Harder to get at!

If I ever get a MUCH bigger yard, and have much more time (and energy), I daydfream about a large, walk-in spiral flower garden around a small "solid" circular center with stepping stones in a spirtal pattern.

The inner loops would start very narrow, gradually widen, and have gradually-widening walkways, with 8", then 12" pavers and pebbled borders.

Outer loops would be wider and looser, and the walkways would probably be pebbled or bark. The very outermost 1-2 loops would be flung out like unwinding galactic arms, probably through a lawn, enclosing smaller raised beds.

But it's easy to dream! I should probabkly call that a fantasy, not a dream.

"When all is said and done, more is said than done."

What would be neat is such a spiral garden but at the very center of the garden it terminates into an actual herb spiral.

My bad... Horntoad. I just got excited when I saw it. Thanks for sharing those photos. I had wondered if the tree at the base was a Laurus nobilis (bay) or some other herbal/edible tree.

Yes, a more shallow spiral would not have the outward pressure on the upper portion of the construction. I've seen some spirals that use rock for the spiral, wide enought that one could actually walk up on the rock. The rocks can also be placed inward as it is built up to support the weight of the soil.

Interesting thread. Thanks.

>> What would be neat is such a spiral garden but at the very center of the garden it terminates into an actual herb spiral.

That would be very cool. I think there should be a few benches or chairs set into interruptions in the "arms" so one could sit and admire and smell the herbs.

Maybe set the tallish herb spiral at the very center (like a small lighthouse), and center the whole thing on a tiny hill or small mound. Then the loose arms of the spiral flower garden would rise very gradually as they circled.

Well, it took exactly 2 weeks but I finished our new herb spiral!!!

I worked an average of about 3 hours per day for 14 days. It was a very, very hard project, and a major improvement to our zone 1 environment. I'm pleased with my work and thrilled with the decision to do it.

Having made it with brick and mortar, I am confident that this is a garden that will last for decades (unless we get rid of it before then.)



I just finished it a few hours ago, so some of the mortar is still a bit "wet" which is why you may notice some odd colors. They'll even out by tomorrow.

I've never done brickwork before so this was also a learning experience for me. I'm satisfied with my work.



Next step is the fun part - building the soil! I will, of course, be going the hugelkultur route on this. I'll give the mortar a few days to cure before proceeding.

Next up.... the castle tower!

On a serious note.... it looks great Dave!

Looks great, Dave. Job well done and well worth the extra time for you and for those who are watching and learning.
You also excelled as a bricklayer!

VERY impressive!

Beautiful job!

BEAUTIFUL job Dave

Great job on striking the joints and I love the way you stepped the brick

Thank you all. I'm glad you liked it.

Really pretty, Dave!

Great job!!!

What a great job. Especially considering you haven't worked with brick and mortar before. Not easy to keep it perpendicular and square. Can hardly wait to see the soil then the plants. Imagine what it will look like this fall.

Super job Dave!!

It's a work of art and a work in progress! Can't wait to see the plantings.
Heaven scent!

Dave , that is a most beautiful piece of Functional Garden ART. Looking forward to seeing you all plant it with the herbs...

Almost looks like it has kind of an ovular shape to it...is that just an optical delusion?

I think that's an illusion, and it's an interesting thing about this spiral shape, is that it does funny things to the eye. Depending on where you look at it, it seems to lean sometimes. It also appears oval in some areas. But it's dead level and perfectly round.

I think the eye makes assumptions when it sees the shape. Charleen is right when she says this is functional art. It really is an interesting piece.