JOIN NOW LOG IN
iVillage GardenWeb iVillage GardenWeb THE INTERNET'S GARDEN & HOME COMMUNITY ADVERTISEMENT
Blogs
Garden Voices
Forums
Garden Forums Home Forums Nature Forums
Photo Galleries
Garden Galleries Home Galleries
Ask The Experts Tools & Directories
Organization Directory Events Calendar Hortiplex Glossary Zone Finder Garden Bazaar
       
Return to the Japanese Gardens Forum | Post a Follow-Up

o
Stepping Stone Question

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings
Posted by errodr N. AL (My Page) on
Tue, Mar 24, 09 at 15:40

Cross posted in "Gardening with Stone" forum.

Hello, I need some advice.

I have a path cutout about 42" x 25' in my lawn, I have cut down to a depth of 4 inches. I want to lay stepping stones in the path area, the stones will be 4-6" apart. I live in N. Alabama so freezing will not be an issue. Can I simply use 2-3" of paver base sand for my base layer? I plan to lay the stones on top of the sand then spread mulch over the sand.

The reason I am asking is because I am concerned that the sand will wash away. Is this an application better suited to crushed stone?

Does this sound like a good idea?

Thanks...

Follow-Up Postings:

o
RE: Stepping Stone Question

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Hello errodr,
I think that the stepping stones will eventually "sink".
You should consider using "Dry sand-and-cement bed" under the stepping stones and have a Weed Barrier Cloth over the sand before applying the mulch on it.
However, why not consider to not use mulch but a more Japanese solution like gravel or (small) crushed stone.
Also worth considering is the use of a band to enclose the pathway. A natural (look) material like (cut) granite would be best suited.
This would also easy the lawn maintenance.
Have a look at my front entrance path (not in a lawn though ! also http://www.karesansui.nl/html/page_compfront.htm )
Regards, Piet

Here is a link that might be useful: Constructing Paths and Terraces in Tsubo-en

o
RE: Stepping Stone Question

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Errodr, Piet has good advice.
Yes, the use of sand only may result in washing out from under the stepping stones and making them unstable. The addition of cement to the sand and then sprinkling it with water serves to 'stiffen' the sand but the use of well-packed, fine gravel would be more appropriate, as would the use of that same gravel as 'mulch' between the stepping stones. I have found that placing steel landscape barrier at the grass/walk edge serves to contain the sand/gravel mix and leaves a clean line for the eye to follow. It is not traditional japanese method but it is eminently practical.

o
RE: Stepping Stone Question

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

We have large round stone steps in our garden - we simply dug out the grass for each stone. They do settle into the ground a bit but look natural and are useful and beautiful.

o
RE: Stepping Stone Question

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Why not lay them right on the soil? I do that in zome 5 where frost should be a problem, but it is not. They settle a bit, and may need a bit of straightening after a year or two, but after that they stay put.

Also, don't use weed cloth, no matter what you put between the stones. It does not stop weeds, but will eventually show above the covering.

o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!

Return to the Japanese Gardens Forum
 
 

iVillage GardenWeb: The Internet's Garden & Home Community
Join | Garden Forums | Home Forums | Exchanges & Trading | Member Pages | Contact Us
© 2006 iVillage Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Policies FAQ | Advertising
  
  iVillage Home & Garden Network