Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

The Ultimate Kitchen Garden, Courtesy of a California Master

Search

The Ultimate Kitchen Garden, Courtesy of a California Master

November 3, 2012

The steps to creating a kitchen garden sound deceptively easy: build some raised beds, plant vegetables, harvest. Last week when we featured LA garden designer Art Luna's work, he revealed his secrets for creating thriving raised bed gardens:

700 pam rownak 2

Above: Most of the kitchen gardens Luna designs are built and maintained afterward by Pam Rownak of Culver City. Luna's beds are often 24 inches high (slightly taller than average), a feature that has several benefits. Plant roots can develop and spread out easily in soil that's a luxurious two feet deep, for one thing. The design is visually appealing and practical, as well, because it's a comfortable height for a garden who wants to sit on the edge of the bed while weeding. Photograph via Pam Rownak.

700 700 art luna kitchen garden trellis

Above: Luna frequently designs beds that are detailed with copper edging. Copper tape repels slugs and creates a finished, tailored look. Photograph via Art Luna Garden.

700 gardeners copper tape jpeg

Above: The tape "comes in different widths to accommodate the size wood you choose to build the raised beds," says Luna. If you use 6-inch-wide copper tale, it will give you a 2-inch lip on each side of a 2-inch top edge. A 13-foot-long roll of Copper Slug Tape (1.25 inches wide) is $9.95 from Gardeners Supply. For a wide selection of sizes, see Tape Jungle.

700 pam rownak 1

Above: uniformity in size, shape, and height creates a pleasing arrangement in a kitchen garden. Photograph via Pam Rownak.

700 art luna wine barrel planter jpeg

Above: Luna often adds wine barrel planters to a kitchen garden design. Not only do they provide visual contrast, they're also "a nice alternative for anyone who doesn’t have the space," he says. Photograph via Art Luna Garden.

700 viva terra wine barrel planter jpeg

Above: A repurposed oak Wine Barrel Planter is $149 from Viva Terra.

700 pam rownak 3

Above: Triangular trellises lend support to peas and other climbing plants. For trellis and garden support structures, see Design Sleuth: Willow Accessories for the Cottage Garden.

(N.B.: For more of Art Luna's designs, see "The Landscape Designer Is In: Creating and Maintaining a Thriving Kitchen Garden.")

(Visited 713 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Product summary  

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0