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Hi all,
The previous owners of our house installed this planter. It was covered in wisteria which we had removed as it had invaded a lot of our garden. Now it's just an eyesore as they never treated the wood and the bottom part has subsided. Would appreciate any advice on how to restore this? I don't really want to remove it altogether as we have very limited side access to the front of our house and there's still a substantial amount of soil here which would be difficult to remove.
Thanks in advance
Hello @MollyT
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your planter.
Looking at the pictures you posted it appears that the retaining wall of the planter is still in good condition because of the sleeper cap that was placed at the top. I suspect that it has twisted out of shape because it was left unprotected as you said. I recommend changing the sleeper cap with 200 x 50mm Sleeper H4 Sienna MicroPro 2.4m, this sleeper is safe for playgrounds and vegetable gardens.
To restore the rest of the timber I suggest washing it with Feast Watson 1L Woodprep. I recommend using a scrub brush and giving the surface a thorough clean. You can use a pressure washer, but I don't think it will be necessary. Once you've hosed off all the timber pieces allow the wood to dry thoroughly before you paint the surface. Looking at your photo a second time I believe the former owners used treated timber as they appear to be still in good shape.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Jewelleryrescue for their suggestions.
If you need further assistance, please let me know.
Eric
Good Morning @MollyT
I actually think the garden looks to be in pretty good nick especially after carry wisteria 
That stuff is heavy and strong.
The only damage I can see is that front retaining wall post that is out of true.
To bring it back to looking resonable until you work out what you want to do Id suggest lifting and then assessing that lean on the retaining wall. Take the top cap plate off and have a look at the angle. You could always reattach it closer to the post so the gap dosnt show as much. If you want to try and straighten that section you will need to remove the soil, and then remove the timber beams, then post and redo. Trying to bend it back up vertical wont work 😕 Might look easy but it wont shift easily 
As to revamping the timber, I would check out teh range of oils for merbau. I was thinking the timber looks to be ages hardwood especially for the length of time its been there. I have oiled my gret timber and it cam up looking pretty good. Whichever way you go, paint or timber. I would use a wire brush over all the surfaces to get rid of dirt, grit and loose timber.
I would also turn teh soil in your garden bed, by about a foot deep. Then weed mat and bark chip mulch for 100mm to surpress weeds. The turning the soil is in case you plants omething in the garden so it will be prepped. Maybe some shrubs or grapes? Unless you are fed up with vines
Dave
Hello @MollyT
I whole heartedly suggest having a look at this garden project - No-dig Garden bed for edibles by @mich1972. This is an amazing way to grow vegetables and other plants without having to dig so much into your garden. They have made so many successful harvests in this small area, I can only imagine what you might accomplish if you applied this technique to your large garden.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
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