LANDSCAPING
outdoors
Learn how to landscape
mb
with stone
7
bhg.com/stonelandscaping
M O R E AT
BHG.COM
i
DRY-STACK
DETAILS
Dry-stack walls are
made of carefully
fitted stones that
need no mortar to
hold them in place.
Besides having
patience, here are
a few pointers:
■ B u ild a base
A foundation of
tamped gravel
should be at least
6 inches deep.
■ F ill o r n o t
Flat stones can
make up the whole
wall, or very wide
walls may be filled
with gravel and
small stones.
■ Cap i t o ff
A top layer of the
widest stones gives
it a finished look
and helps the wall
last longer.
While building the landscape over the span of
12 years, the plan was used as a general guide—
“subject to our artistic whims” Marcia says.
Jeff built the flagstone patio and stone walls
with son Grant sometimes manning the
wheelbarrow. Building in small increments, Jeff
worked patiently every morning for weeks,
piecing the wall together stone by stone. “It was
essentially a giant jigsaw puzzle,” Jeff says.
While Jeff focused on construction, Marcia
filled the gardens with colorful, easy-care plants.
DESIGN CHOICES A dry-stack stone wall zigs and zags through
the backyard,
above,
separating the garden and living area from the
woods at the back of the property. Marcia planted bright perennials
and bold foliage along the walk to the front door,
right.
8 0 JUNE 2008 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
