Gardening : Rock : Stone Matters : Home & Garden Television

Figure A

Stone can do wonders for a landscape, whether it's an accent such as a massive stone bench (figure A), a rock border, or stone in a water garden. "That's why I'm always on the lookout for places where I can add some sort of stone feature," says master gardener Paul James.

Figure B

Figure C

A stone border, such as this one in James' yard (figure B), can help define a bed beautifully. James' border took less than a day to complete because metal edging was already in place along the perimeter of the bed (figure C). (Edging takes additional time to install.) Although James doesn't care for metal edging, in this case it helps serve a very worthwhile purpose: Not only does it hold mulch in the bed, but perhaps more importantly, it prevents grass and weeds from spreading into the bed.

Figure D

James suggests removing the surrounding grass and about one inch of soil about six to eight inches out from the perimeter of the edging (figure D). This provides a solid footing for the stones, and it reduces any likelihood of grass or weeds growing up through gaps between the stones. "But if any grass or weeds do come up," James says, "spray them with straight vinegar, and they'll be history."

Figure E

"Laying the stones is not only easy but it's fun," says James. After selecting small pieces of limestone (figure E) for the border, James stacks them dry, which means he doesn't use any mortar. He stacks the stones two, sometimes three, stones high. "This is about as easy and inexpensive as a stone project gets. The only downside to dry-stacking stones like this is that periodically they shift or get knocked out of place, which is something you'll want to warn the kids about," he advises. "The upside to stacked stone borders is that repairs are a snap. Simply place the stones back into position."

Figure F

If you can't find small stones, you can always make them yourself from much larger stones. Be sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves before attempting to break up large stones. "I use a geologist pick because I'm a rock jock," says James, "but just about any hammer will do." Give the rock a firm strike to break it apart. Most relatively thin stones, except for those made from granite, are easy to break, and you can break them into smaller and smaller pieces depending on what you need. In fact, James suggests using the small pieces for shimming larger stones (figure F). Shimming the stones refers to filling in any voids or gaps.

Figure G

Stone borders can also have a structural function in the landscape. For example, James created this small terraced wall to help control erosion on what was once a steep slope in his yard (figure G). For this project, James secured the stones in place with mortar because the pressure exerted by the soil behind the wall might cause them to topple. "You can always create a more elaborate look," says James, "but I much prefer the more rustic, almost prehistoric look of stones positioned in a haphazard way. And in many cases, I use the cheapest stone available."

Figure H

Figure I

Along this new border (figure H), James used the cheapest stone of all, a type of limestone called builder's stone. James says that while it isn't all that attractive now, within a year it will weather to a soothing gray.

Although they're both limestone, the difference between builder's stone and this much more attractive lichen covered limestone (figure I) is that builder's stone is mined from below ground. The more attractive limestone was exposed to the elements and given a chance to weather, and that results in a cost four times as much as the builder's limestone.

Figure J

Stone structures can also be fun. "One of my favorite stone projects is the fire pit (figure J)", says James. "And it's one of my family's favorite hangouts in winter." He created customized benches with stone pillars and cedar seats for sitting around the fire and roasting marshmallows. (James says to be sure to check with local authorities to make sure it's legal to have an open fire pit in your area.) Also, take all the necessary precautions when you have a fire. For example, have a hose handy at all times, always make sure the fire is completely out when you're through, and never start a fire when it's dry, windy or both, or when there is a fire danger alert in your area.

Figure K

Figure L

"The weirdest stone feature of all, which was here when I moved in," says James, "are these steps" (figure K). What makes the steps so odd is that a tree runs right across the steps and in effect renders them useless (figure L). Although many people have suggested that James simply remove the tree, he insists that in this case, weird is good. "In fact, I'm seriously considering making this situation weirder by extending this series of steps up the lawn to create a path that leads to nowhere. If there's one thing I've learned about the rules of gardening, it's that there aren't any rules."

Also in this Episode

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-725
•	Stone Matters
•	Seed Propagation
•	Barrel Gardening
•	Fall Planting Is Good for Plants

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