Raising the level of an existing flower bed

[kfan]

I have two beds full with perennials, bulbs & self sowing annuals and also some shrubs and small trees. But it is lower than the grass edge that borders it, ranging from 5 to 10 cm depending on the place. I would like to raise the level of the soil to the same as the grass, but can I add this much topsoil around the existing plants/ on top of the dormant seeds and seedlings without causing damage? Or should I do it in 2 goes?

The job of digging all perennials up is not something I am looking forward to so if possible i'd like to avoid this!

tips anyone???

[Two_Sheds]

How feasible is it to lower the lawn instead? (or as well)

[kfan]

Uh, probably a daft question, but how do I lower a lawn? I presume I take the 'turf' off and then take away soil before laying it out again?

[rustylady]

Yep. How much of a problem is it having the border lower? Can you just add compost gradually to the border to bring the level up?

[Two_Sheds]

^ I don't think the shrubs and small trees will like having their trunks buried in compost though.

How did one get to be lower than the other anyway, KFan?