Create a Checkerboard Garden
This simple design of paving stones and plants can be used to create a dramatic courtyard or a fun space for children. Plant it up with turfgrass, chamomile or low-growing herbs, such as thyme.
- Excerpted from How to Grow Practically Everything
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Apply Mortar
Mix up a wet mortar mix of four parts sand (half-and-half sharp sand and builder's sand) to one part cement, or use a prepared mix. Place a trowel-full in the corners and in the center of a paving stone square.
Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley LimitedBed In Paving Stones
Position the paving stone on the mortar and use the wooden end of a mallet to gently tap it into place. Check that it's level. Mortar in each stone the same way and leave them to set for a day or two.
Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley LimitedPlant Up
Fill between the paving stone with topsoil and plant up the herbs or turf. If using turf, lay it slightly above the paving stones so you can run a mower over the whole area. Water in. Keep plants watered until they're established.
Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley LimitedExcerpted from How to Grow Practically Everything
© 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited
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See Also:
From our Sister Sites:
- A Gallery of Desperate Landscapes (from DIY Network)
- How to Build a Level Garden Surface (from HGTVGardens)
- Preparing Soil for a Garden (from DIY Network)
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