Who needs a truck, the Prius will haul it all!

I started a project on May 12, 2014. It is a new flower bed in the front yard. The inside perimeter of this bed measures 33 feet in circumference. It has a exterior wall that consists of limestone blocks. Each block weighs 15 pounds and the corresponding cap on top of the tiers weighs 12 pounds.
I limited my weight factor to 450 max at first as I did not want to get close to full capacity. I found I was spending a lot of time going back and forth to the home center for the material. I stretched out heavy thick terry cloth towels through out the back end and also had the seats folded down at one point.

I successfully moved all of the limestone in three days time and arranged the stones accordingly to make a circle. Making the circle round was a feat in itself as the root system is abnormal in relation to the trunk of the tree. I ended up making a tool that had a level on it, a heavy string with a heavy nut (plump bob) to locate the blocks around the perimeter of the tree. The tool worked very well in laying out the blocks as well as showing exactly how to set the inside corners of each block to make the circle work out and be uniform around the tree.

There are 66 blocks and 33 caps on this bed that are limestone. All material was hauled with the Prius. To fill the circle I have so far placed three barriers inside to contain all of the soil mix. I have added at this time 800 pounds of top soil, 160 pounds of composted cow manure, and nine cubic feet of peat moss. Presently the circle is close to the top but not full. It is approximately three to four inches to where I want to be when I start planting. I went today and picked up more supplies. I also returned a few extra blocks and caps that were not needed for the project. I now have an additional 400 pounds of top soil, 40 pounds of composted cow manure, and three "Two Cubic Feet" of Miracle Gro Flower and Vegetable soil. I will use the Miracle Grow on the top layer. Once the plants are in the mix, I will mulch the whole bed with a layer of brown Cypress mulch.

I realize this post is about a flower bed, however it is also about the fact that our Gen III Toyota Prius hauled everything with no problems whatsoever. I calculated the weight of the material on each load and allowed for passengers. I only exceeded the 800 pound limit one time by 40 pounds. The Prius never whimpered. I am posting a picture of the bed for reference purpose and a picture of the Prius loaded down with the load that I hauled today. I also had the back seats up and had towels spread out on the seats. On top of the seats were various potted plants that the wife had bought.

So with all that said, don't forget your Prius can be used to haul stuff. Just pay attention to weight limits and protect the interior.

Ron (dorunron)

 

Kenny,

If memory serves me correctly, I have made about nine or ten trips over there. Each way is 6.9 miles. I filled the Prius fuel tank last on 5/10 according to my fuelly records. DTE shows 125 miles and I am on three pips. Just about all of this tank has been city driving, and a lot of it in heavy stop and go with A/C running. Average 51 according to the computer IIRC. Finally saw over 10 MPH with EV mode on. I did not know it would go faster once it warmed up (S4 mode). I think I was able to get up to 24 MPH before it would kick off.

The Prius does great. The suspension is not built for heavy loads. Some of the bumps on the road were bottoming it out on the last trip. I did not fold down the back seats as I had small plants and bushes loaded up there. With the back seats down you can load a whole lot more of stuff AND distribute the weight more evenly over all four wheels rather than the rear end.

Ron

 

I had asked about a truck to rent. Lowes does not do that unlike Home Depot. Delivery fee would have been $79. I elected to move the stuff myself. I don't mind the trips, gives me a chance to drive the Prius! I might have used a whole three gallons of fuel, but I think it is more along the lines of two...

Ron

 

bisco,

Just now finished filling it with the soil. I topped it off with the "Miracle Grow" Flower and Vegetable Soil. I figure it will take at least two days to plant it, and then a day to mulch it and let it all settle in. I will photograph completed bed before planting and then after planting and mulch and will post an update. Plants to be planted at this time. Back row: Iris, DayLillies, Tall Grasses, Society Garlic. Center Row: Red, Yellow, and White Begonias. Outer perimeter: small low to the ground "ground cover" or short flowering annuals.

Also have some Spider Lilly Bulbs I am considering. Thinking about scattering them through out the bed randomly.

Biggest project I have done yet. The front yard is looking GREAT!

Ron

 

At one ton, I would not use my truck either. Well worth a delivery fee. When hauling stuff, everyone has to consider net and gross weight. It doesn't matter if it is a Prius or a 18 wheeler. Weight is critical.

Ron

 

I still remember your first post here asking about whether the Prius would handle your loads. Glad to see it is working out for you!

Ron

 

Update: Started planting this morning 5/21. Worked about three hours until it started to get hot outside. I tire fairly easily now. Since I retired back in 2007 I don't get a lot of exercise. You might say that this bed has been a blessing to me in more than one way. I am definitely going to "reap what I am sowing". I will take another photo after I finish the initial planting and post it for everyone to see. It is really beginning to shape up. So far I have planted Iris in the back close to the tree. In between the Iris I have planted Society Garlic. In front of the back row, I am spacing out Begonias. I have about 48 plants that I can set out. On the street side I have a Yellow Day Lilly in the front. Behind and to each side I have two different types of Blue and Blue/Black Salvia. On each side of the Salvia I am going to plant some Cape Aurora Kangaroo Paw. On the outer perimeter I am planning to plant some low growing flowers that look like Petunias. I saw a big urn of them today at Lowes. My wife bought two starter plants earlier this spring and has them growing in a planter out front also. They look beautiful. I am going to try to find the "purple" or "blue" ones and line the outer perimeter with them. I am hoping in the end that something will always be blooming as the seasons pass. Plus a lot of the stuff I am planting is perennials. That will save money and time next spring after winter is over. Once all of the above is placed in the ground, I am going to search for some clearance plants/flowers to fill in the gaps for a nice visual effect. Tonight was real special. I hooked up a set of portable speakers that normally would run on a computer to my smart phone. Played my mp3 files over the speakers in the front yard. Had it just loud enough so it could be heard but not carry over to the neighbors houses. We sat out on the front porch in the glider and enjoyed our dinner while gazing at the solar lights and the front yard as the twilight began. Very special moment... Peace everyone! Ron