I had to go out, too, and get some work done. While I was outside, I checked another air vent spacer which I had already cleaned out and, yes, the block goes up one row above the air vent spacer, then it is stucco. The stucco going down to soil level of the bed is decorative covering that last row of block.
On the other parts of the bed, which are planted, I placed sheet metal between the soil and the stucco. I can do the same for this bed. I did this without knowing the "why" of it because that is what had been done on the side of the house where the soil met the stucco. Thank you, Ken, for explaining the "why" of it for me.
@CaliFlowers, Ken .... Are you saying I should not put a layer of gravel between the clay at the base of the bed and the amended soil ? It would be next to the block wall.
I am not doing anything to that bed until I have a definite plan.
Thanks to all again for all of your help and support.
Lyn
