Jon, The wood is korean cedar. I don't know how well it will hold up, but live and learn. I put a weed block fiber down on the inside bottom and half way up the sides .

Cedar should hold up well. WIKI says it is used for telephone poles, railroad ties, bridges and boats. It should be excellent. Nice job.

The joy of raised beds!

Looks great and you will have so much fun filling up the beds.

Love the fact that the elevation brings hostas closer to view AND don’t have to bend as far! Brilliant! Also love pampered hostas!

Is there reason you decided to do it? Are those maple trees?

Love your space! Once filled it is going to be quite a show!

lindalana ,,,,Might be what I have to do with a bunch of mine under the maple tree. I spent half the weekend digging up hosta from one area and taking out fine maple roots from the choking hosta. Not sure what to do or what to plant in that area now or turn it back into lawn again, How many do I have to move is the question before they all die. My husband asked if I want the tree down but then it would be too sunny . I am already too crowded everywhere else . Good idea gary . Will look beautiful when they fill in too

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=3360B211FA951197F6BD0A5F5C4B3D31346C6BAD&thid=OIP.UEsqnXUR-3SKbIcG6sm7cgHaD4&mediaurl=https%3A%2F%2Fs-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com%2F600x315%2F15%2F0e%2F14%2F150e14b614b33a8f40cda03a4836d5e3.jpg&exph=315&expw=600&q=round+raised+bed+around+tree&selectedindex=33&qpvt=round+raised+bed+around+tree&ajaxhist=0&vt=0&eim=0,1,2,6 Like this, but circle the entire tree and put weed block underneath to keep the tree roots from infiltrating. It would look real classy.

Mm, hosts are only shade tolerant. While at convention I have seen some stunning beds in full sun. My neighbors lost big tree so my hostas are getting more sun, they are loving it.

Cutting darn maple makes good sense to me. Specially if space is premium and you are not moving anytime soon. Where in zone 5 are you?

Not to say that you can not make a splendid design with raised beds, few containers and a piece of garden sculpture lets say.

lindalana,that whole area is an alleyway that the town owns. I've been maintaining and keeping it mowed for forty years, so I 'm "borrowing" the space while still leaving city access. If need be for unforeseen reasons, the beds could easily be removed and relocated..

Love your creativity! Mm, I can only "borrow" from neighbors lol