Stone and Steel

Although it was Linsey who called in mid-January to inquire about a garden, her husband Brett discovered TKG on Instagram and was really gunning for some raised beds. The pair had recently purchased a sprawling relic of a farm in Franklin, and though they loved the property, the backyard patio and landscaping space was overgrown with shrubs that blocked the view. 

Brett, a builder and Big Green Egg aficionado, wanted a garden near the grill. Linsey, a seasoned gardener, designer and certified beauty-hunter, knew that raised beds off the patio would complete the backyard space.

Step one, we needed to take out the overgrown shrubs and extend the patio.

The TKG team was quick with saws and stump grinders, and began their favorite task: masonry. The property is covered with old limestone walls, and with the help of our clients’ stylistic eyes, we built a ledge that mimics the gray, chunky stone. 

Step two, gravel pathways. We chose granite chip for this project. Granite is a fine, dark stone that glints in the sunlight. It compacts tightly beneath the feet- no wobbling– so it was ideal as the surface on top of the rock ledge we had just completed.  

Step three, raised beds. Linsey chose corten steel raised beds, as she had long loved the dark, muted tone. We had them built 10 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 30 inches high. As we finished welding the corners, we used a vinegar, peroxide and salt solution to quickly oxidize the steel, and they blended beautifully into the deep green landscape. 

Step four: Plant them up!

We planted this garden in late April, and it is now home to tomatoes and squash, peppers, basil, lettuce and cucumber. To complete the space, Linsey stumbled on some vintage iron obelisks, and we grouped various sizes on either side of the raised bed so as not to ruin the view from the patio. Only a few nights later, Brett was on the Big Green Egg, and Linsey was enjoying a slow morning with her kitchen garden.