Large Scale Central

Combination Benchwork & Garden?

The subject just about defines the question.

I have the OK to start thinking about designing a 15x25 ft elevated railroad. Since it will be elevated about 2.5 feet this means about 35 cubic yards of fill surrounded by terraced wall stones.

I was wondering if I could create benchwork with 2x4s to fill the lower 1.5 feet of the area and cover that with about a foot of dirt. I understand the benchwork would have to be made with Pressure Treated lumber. The lumber store was telling me about ‘green’ 3/4 inch plywood which is used around the base of houses as it is moisture resistant. I would use that under the dirt.

Questions are

  1. Is this feasible?
  2. If so, would a foot of dirt be enough for ground cover, dwarf trees, flowers, etc.?

Any help would be appreciated.

Ed Brunelle
Phoenix, AZ 85029