Landscape Stone Lasts Forever

Unmortared stone used in walkways, patios, edging or as steppers should be dense, at least 1 ½ inch thick and set within a tamped base of stone screenings. Taking these measures will ensure a stable under footing. If the stone is set on soil alone, over time they will sink due to decomposition.

Pennsylvania Bluestone and Tennessee Craborchard are two types of stone very dense in nature. This is important because of freezing and thawing which cause other types of stone to break and flake when used as flooring or on the ground. Pennsylvania Bluestone comes in shades of blue and pallets can be selected with more mauve, blue or green striations within the stone. Tennessee Craborchard stone contains colors of beige, brown, pink, mauve and rust. Again, pallets can be selected with the preferred color striations.

When choosing the stone, keep in mind the color of your home, other outbuildings, and color of adjacent flowers to create a harmonious landscape. Stone can also be used in conjunction with brick to create a more formal landscape. There are several different cuts of stone, for example; tumbled, which provides a soft rounded edge, irregular provides random edges, cut stone is sawed with a blade for a straight edge and lastly the flamed edge provides a rustic textured edge after the stone has been sawed into its desired shapes.

  

There are two options for filling in the joints after stone has been set; addition of another finer stone grade or installing creeping plants. Some suggestions for dry sunny areas are; sedum acre, georgia blue veronica or wooly thyme. Ideas for shady areas are; corsican mint, scotch moss, ajuga or leptinella.

 

Stone will enhance your landscapes creating functionality.

Stop on by Cornerstone Garden by Diana Digs Dirt to meet designer Diana. Thursday-Saturday 11-3:30 if not snowing or raining, 414-B State Street in Greensboro. Let’s talk stone!

 

Installing a Stone Patio-DIY

Installing a stone patio  just takes a little planning, elbow power, $, and patience, not to mention a few tools.

Here at a Greensboro, NC residential entryway, lacks a great deal of curb appeal. The space should either be functional or VERY aesthetically pleasing because of its location, by the entrance. We opted for functional, since the basketball hoop is not far.

Hi Cody!

Determine how many people will be occupying the space. The general formula is 4 feet by 4 feet per person.

Make sure utility lines are located befor excavation, spray paint your lines and remove earth.

I choose Tennessee Crab Orchard Stone for its creamy beige, tan, burgundy and brown striations. A nice complimentary stone mimicking house color.

 A 2 inch depth of sandrock was tamped into the ground, with a gentle slope toward driveway. This makes it easier when using your mallet to set each stone. When laying stone, start laying large pieces first, towards the back. A small plant bed was designed at the foundation of the home to soften the transition between 2 hard surfaces, stone and siding. Plants marry them and they live happily ever after.

After completion, spray down with water. The sandrock will take a few weeks to settle. Play sand may be swept into the joints if creeping plants will not be utilized in the crevices.

Existing hosta perennials were installed to soften the transition between the driveway and stone.

Sky pencil hollies are the perfect shrub selection for tight spaces where vertical form is needed.

Adding the finishing touches; furniture, pots, and accessories.

Who wouldn’t like to sip coffee or tea on this shady morning patio.

Petunias are great in outdoor pots.

For under $3,000 a beautiful  Tennessee Crab Orchard Stone Patio is not only functional, but adds fabulous curb appeal. Your guest may not even make it into your home!!

Email me for help:)