[gsc]

Hi folks

I have a roughly triangular section garden which is the only bit not block paved because of the dogs.  I have fenced it off so the dogs can't get to it and want to grow stuff there that I need quickly eg herbs.

In the centre is a raised area with a cherry tree.

As we were removing all the gravel yesterday, ready to dig, we noticed how far the cherry tree roots are spreading.  Not sure what to do now - it will certainly make digging/cultivating any depth a bit of a problem.  Althought the ground is very wet (we will be adding a lot of manure and compost), I am wondering if the tree will deprive the plants of moisture.

The length of each side of the triangle is about 34 feet.  There are about 4 shrubs on the edges but I could remove these if necessary but I am very fond of the cherry tree in the middle.  Was wondering about putting the beds along the fence lines but worried about not enough sun etc.  It will certainly make things a challenge deciding where to put beds and where to put walkways.

Any suggestions?

[mumofstig]

This is the same situation I have for my veg beds..............be warned the roots will grow up into your veg beds and they will forever need watering!
I have to dig deeply every year just to remove the roots that have grown up in the previous year, not the ideal raised beds
I do get decent crops but you really have to keep up with the feeding and watering 'cos the tree takes a lot of it.
My tree is coming out later this year...enough is enough for me!

[gsc]

mmm that doesn't sound too good.  We are on metre water as well 

[Trikidiki]

I have a large huge goat willow on my plot. It was top pruned professionally last year which has opened up a patch of grass to more light.

I stripped off the top 8-12 inces of soil (its on a slight slope). I then made three raised beds from some wooden crates about 1m x 1m x 0.6m. I have covered the base of the crates with landscape fabric to hopefully stop the roots coming up into the soil inside the crates. Should find out in the winter when I dig through them. The sides are lined internally with polythene to help reduce water loss.

[gsc]

I guess I am going to have to be inventive

Wonder what will be best is the shadied areas?