The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/964179
D-10 Spring Home and Garden Wednesday, April 11, 2018 The Press-Dispatch GREAT OUTDOORS Simplify paving stone installation Paving stones can add beauty to walkways, drive- ways and backyard patios, providing that eye-catching finishing touch to a proper- ty while enhancing its curb appeal. Even though the installa- tion of pavers can be a labor- intensive process, with the right tools and tips, this can be a do-it-yourself project for homeowners with reno- vation experience. GET YOUR SUPPLIES To begin a paver project, homeowners will need to stock up on some supplies they may not already have at home. Marking paint, ma- son line, wooden stakes, lev- eling sand, paver base, and more will be required. A manual tamper can be used. However, for larger areas, it can be worth the cost to rent a plate compactor. MEASURE THE AREA The number of bags of sand, paver base and pav- ing stones needed for the project depends on the size of the area. For example, for 60 square feet, homeown- ers will need about 30 12 x 12-inch paver stones, 40 bags of paver base and 12 bags of paver leveling sand. Spray or mark the area where the paving stones will be laid. Measure care- fully so you can order exact- ly how many stones you will need. Have the materials de- livered to reduce heavy lift- ing and trips to the store. Be sure to have all utility lines marked prior to excavation to avoid damage. PREPARE THE BASE CAREFULLY One of the most impor- tant aspects of paver instal- lation involves preparing the base. If you cut corners in this process, the finished results can be sloppy, weeds can grow through and/or stones may loosen. It's essential to grade the area away from the house. That means that the high- est point of the patio or walk- way should be closest to the house and then the incline gradually flattens out as it moves away from the home. This allows proper water runoff. Mark the height on the stakes and adjust the mason line. Remember to slope the area away from your home with a drop-off of about one inch for every 8 feet. The base of many DIY applications should be be- tween four and six inches deep. Work incremental- ly, raking and tamping un- til the base is firm. Light- ly wetting the material can help it solidify. Sand helps inhibit weed growth and anchor the pav- ers together. Plastic lining will not be practical. INSTALLATION Use edge restraints and a string line to keep the de- sign straight. Do not ham- mer the pavers together. Paver sand will need to be swept over and settled be- tween the stones to help set them in place. It helps to read tutorials and watch videos on paving stone installation prior to beginning the project. With practice, the installation will go more smoothly. The benefits of water features in garden landscapes Many homeowners as- pire to make their homes appear as beautiful and welcoming as possible. Ex- terior renovations may be high on homeowners' to-do lists, and landscaping is of- tentimes a key component of those projects. When planning gardens, homeowners may benefit by considering more than just flowers and shrubs while giving thought to other elements that can breathe vitality into their landscape designs. Water features can do just that, as such features provide more than just visual appeal. • Aesthetic appeal: Water elements stand out against the greenery and foliage and can be used to create focal points around the garden or yard. A single fountain can draw the eye, while a trickling stream or waterfall can deliver water to various spots in the land- scape. • Soothing sound: Rain drops on a rooftop or waves lapping on a shoreline elic- it feelings of harmony and relaxation. Water features can bring that gentle sound close to home, further en- hancing the ambiance. • Brings texture: Wa- ter has its own unique and fluid texture that can provide stark contrast to blades of grass or the hard lines of architectural ele- ments, such as pergolas or retaining walls. A pond or fountain can soften lines. • Enhance the natu- ral ecosystem: Water fea- tures can attract wildlife to a property. Birds may vis- it to take a quick sip, and dragonflies are sure to dart and hover over the shim- mering ripples. Inviting natural wildlife to the yard can add hours of entertain- ment by enjoying the ani- mals and insects. • Remedy problem ar- eas: Rather than fighting with the landscape, home- owners can adapt it. An ar- ea of the yard prone to sog- gy conditions or flooding can be transformed into a pond or waterfall to work with natural surroundings. • Foster a passion: Many people turn to wa- ter features so they can explore the hobby of nur- turing an outdoor aquari- um. Koi ponds are relative- ly easy to install and main- tain, and the vibrant fish add visual appeal. • Add a personal touch: Water features are as unique as the home- owners who create them. To set landscaping apart from neighbors' homes, homeowners can add foun- tains, ponds or flowing wa- ter elements to their prop- erties. Decorative water features also can be meld- ed with pools and spas to help these manmade rec- reational areas seem like they were carved right out of the natural landscape. Water features can take landscapes to the next lev- el with sounds, texture, movement, and beauty. SUPERIOR DURABILITY. EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE. 407 E. Kentucky, Holland (812) 536-3486 www.BLESCHBROS.com Equipment Company Check out our selection of Gravely Zero Turns! Call Wayne for information and pricing. GUDORF CONTRACTI NG I NC . PLU MBING, HEATI NG, AIR-COND & ELECTRICAL OWNER: MARK GUDORF 812-482-1081 812-309-0661 Jasper, IN 47546