Dh actually dug and set the posts for my potager so I am almost certain its definitive location is indeed definitive. We have a design worked out but once we priced lumber, if we built our beds it would cost several hundred dollars not to mention how much it would cost to fill them. So, question 1:

Has anyone used raised beds for vegetables, that would be similar to berms. We are hoping to do some with curved shapes which would also rule out lumber. Any pro's or con's?

Question number 2 focuses on our arbor. Dh found one made of cedar with side panels that used to be $500 and was purchased for $200. The design is lovely, it just looks so new. How long should it take to weather to a nice gray?