Landscaping Advice

Ah summer, a time for going to the beach, picnicks, sandcastles and oh yes, weeding. But “weeds” are not always the only thing that need weeding…

Lawn grasses can spread by something called stolons. Without edging you could be constantly pulling grass out of your flower beds. Sound familiar? Right. Lets come up with a rock hard method to minimize your work. But remember, with nature, nothing is carved in stone.

In my last article I mentioned a fun and practical use of paving stones. I guess this installment brings us to the second most practical use of pavers: Garden edging.

Here is what you will need:

1. Precast concrete pavers (recommended)
2. Level
3. Spade or edger
4. Shovel
5. Trowel
6. Mallet or hammer
7. Sand (the kids will never notice)

Don’t get intimidated by the list, it’s really quite simple. First, place your pavers along your garden bed as you would like to see them. Next, plunge your spade or edger into the ground along both sides of your pavers. Dig out a trench for your paving stones keeping in mind that a two inch sand base is recommended. Fill your trench with the layer of sand and tamp it down to make it firm.

You may now proceed with inserting the pavers into the trench. Check occasionally with your level to ensure that things are “in line”. Add sand and tap stones with your mallet as needed.

There, you are done. And the hardest thing about it is the stones.