You could be right about the beds being used for alpines, when I unearthed
them after what seems to be 35 years growth of weeds, shrubs and trees I
found a frame above each one about 2 feet above soil level it foxed me what
they were used for. I have 6 of these raised beds and so far have cleaned
and repaired three of them. I have also build a path though the centre of
them as to get to the rest of the garden meant zigzagging between each one.
I took down the frames when I emptied them. the soil in the frames
originally was about 50:50 compost and crushed brickwork. I am going to
use these beds for vegetables at least for this season.

Bob




"
I was wondering if the old raised beds were made for
alpines/rockplants; maybe with glass lights over the top in winter to
keep rain off; I've seen a picture of something similar in an old
gardening book. The broken brick drainage would make sense for alpines.

Janet