Straw Bale Gardening?

This one is news to me, but I have to say I love the simplicity and am very curious. Basically your average run of the mill straw bale becomes magically transformed through organic wizardry into a super fertile, weed free, pest free container garden. This idea is particularly appealing to me because my Wicklow garden is very rocky and arid and not at all suitable for vegetable growing. Also the bit of extra height would make things much easier on the backbone.
Farmers beware ! I've got my eye on your bales!
Bales away