Wicking Beds

     Wicking beds are my new favorite idea. Basically, there is a french drain or "weeping tile" under a raised bed that you fill with water from a downspout. (Or a super groovy greywater system). The water then wicks up from the drain into your bed. There are many benefits besides the obvious saving water. This is where I first learned of them: http://www.energybulletin.net/stories/2011-05-31/bottom-diy-guide-wicking-beds.
     Since I began my research, I made a few tweaks to the design. Everything is going underground, and I'm using laundry machine and fresh water to fill the beds. I've dug a hole about 8' long x 3' wide x 14 in deep. My plan is to put an overflow drain underground with the bed to create a swail effect. This excess will supplement my herb garden from the ground up. Here are some pictures, more to come.
P.S. I did it all myself. :)