Shoe I think you're the first to notice my update; just added that info a few days ago. Thanks for the compliments; we're really loving these beds and we're using the technique everywhere. You should see our veggie garden now. It's pretty crazy, but we're getting a lot of production!
Your swale sounds interesting. Even without hugelkultur, it'll do well since it'll hold the rainwater for longer. Have you planted into it yet? I'd be looking at some kind of southern pea (purple hull peas or cowpeas) for its first year.
