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Schoolyard Bird Sanctuary with Paver and Cobblestone Walkway For their "school project," Derek and Dean use pavers and vintage cobblestones from the streets of Boston to create a bird sanctuary and garden. From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-306

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	Figure E
	Figure F

Setting the Cobblestones

• With the prep work done, the next step is to prepare the premixed mortar for the cobblestone (figure E). The consistency of it should be thick enough to make a cement ball.

• Use enough mortar so that the cobblestone has a solid base.

• Safety Alert: Remember to wear your mask when you mix the mortar.

• Start setting the cobblestones along the border of the inner area of the garden (figure F). The used cobblestones aren't all the same size, so you just want to get them close to level. They don't have to be perfect.

• Tap the stone down into the mud. Mud the sides between the stones as you set them next to each other. You want to make sure the outside edges are flush as you set the cobblestones.

• As you're working, you may find that you've lost your design markings. If necessary, measure and repaint the inner garden area to make sure you keep the design.
  

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  Figure G

Next, it's time to plant (figure G). The landscapers put down the loam and peat moss. They place the plants according to the design. Once the plants are in place, they add the mulch. Part of this garden is a sensory garden. Some of the plants in this section are lamb's ear, lavender, and thyme.

	Figure H
	Figure I

Spreading Concrete Sand

With the cobblestone and plants in place, it's time to work on the walkway.

• Spread about an inch of course sand over the walkway before setting the pavers. Course sand — also called concrete sand — is better for drainage than mason sand.

• The next step is to make sure you have an even layer of sand. Lay one inch pipe down to guide you as you spread in your coarse sand (figure H).

• Using a landscape rake or a screed board, screed the coarse sand between the pipes (figure I). Dean and Derek use about two yards of sand for this job.

• Note: One yard of sand equals 240 square feet at one inch deep.
  

Before you set the pavers in the circular path, check your measurements and spray a new inside line (figure J). This line is going to dictate the curve of the walkway (figure K).

Dean and Derek use a paver called Copthorne by Uni-lock Pavers. It has the texture of stone but looks like brick.

Figure J

Figure K

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