The Boulder, the Better
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Using local quarry or fieldstone boulders to define a flower bed’s edges is an easy way to dress your annual, perennial and/or bulb plantings. The planting area within the bed is filled with soil to raise it above the surrounding lawn, and the boulders provide a neat, interesting and “natural” look. Many turfgrasses colonize new soil by sending out subsurface roots, or stolons, so plan to remove the turf where the stones will sit. Dig down at least 6 inches into the soil before bedding the boulders into sand. To build a stone-edged bed, just follow the easy steps shown in the pictures and described in their captions.
Bed with Boulders - Step 1 Mark the bed’s outer edges with a hose. Cut turf inside with a sod-cutting tool, rolling it up in sections for removal. Save the sod for site-finishing after construction is complete. Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Bed with Boulders - Step 2 With a helper, examine each stone to choose its face side and move it to the outside of the bed’s edge. Use a shovel to excavate a bed for each stone. Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Bed with Boulders - Step 3 Add 2-4 inches of sand in the excavated bed, then carefully seat the stone. Rock it to settle it into the sand, stopping when it becomes stable. Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Bed with Boulders - Step 4 Continue placing the other stones, using a mix of low and high rocks to define points of interest in the edge. Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Bed with Boulders - Step 5 With the stones in place, fill the bed with topsoil. Tamp and water it to settle and fill all voids. Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Bed with Boulders - Step 6 Fill any turfgrass voids using reserved sod removed from the bed’s center. Dig planting holes according to your garden plan for your bulbs, perennials or bedding plants. Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
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| Tips |
- Large rocks are often left on properties when new homes are built. Rather than pay hundreds of dollars to have them removed, keep the best as a focal point, mulch an area around it to deter grass, and add your favorite plants.
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| Faqs |
- Q: Where can I find native rocks for my garden?
A: Native rocks and boulders can be found and collected throughout much of the country. They can also be purchased from landscape vendors (where you might buy soil, gravel and mulch). Most even deliver. Check the Yellow Pages for some good sources.
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- Come to The Garden Party and rock on with the rest of our Learn2Grow community! Post pictures of your rock-lined planting bed, write a blog, or connect with our gardening experts and other home gardeners nationwide to share more great gardening tips and ideas.
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