Lin - My "raised" beds are built up about 12" from ground level!
And I hear you about having a problem getting up if you've been sitting that low for a long time. I make a point of getting up every now and again to make sure my hips don't lock up. (I HATE getting old.....!)
What I have a LOT of in my yard is host plants for the various species of butterflies and nectar plants that bloom in Fall and Winter for the hummingbirds and butterflies. My yard comes alive in Winter with blooms. But that is not entirely true ... I have over 350+ (I lost count) daylilies in raised beds everywhere .... kind of my plant obsession .... I am a daylily addict.
It is mass chaos ... no lie. I do not have a prim and proper flower garden at all. Not even close. Jungle gone mad! The usual (kind) comment I get from visitors is, "Wow! That's a LOT of plants to maintain!" Meaning, can't you maintain them? LOL!
And a bird feeder set-up for both big and smaller birds. My neighbor just told me yesterday that she saw the first male Painted Bunting at her feeder .... so they are on the move south! YAY!!! I notified the bander and I hope to get a photo of it if it comes to my feeder to see if it is banded.
I recently moved my hanging feeders so now I can see the birds much easier from a window. I set my camera on a tripod and wait from inside my house so as not to spook the birdies.
The birds are in their UGLY stage currently, as most are molting right now. Getting all pretty for the influx of over-wintering migrant birds that will soon be heading our way! Winter gets really interesting here with all kinds of visiting birds! I can't wait! Wished I was retired to see them more, but I work 5 days a week and will back at school next Monday.....
The watch-birds:
Bluejay and Cardinal. (Bluejay is molting his head feathers.):
These birds are just comical. The white-winged dove (in the front) is the boss of this feeder. They all mind their manners when he/she is at the feeder! :
