|
|
Path Edge Placement - With the basic guidelines of the layout in place, now it's time to define the perimeters of the path. Since the path width has already been determined to be 18 inches, host Mayita Dinos and the crew measure half that distance -- nine inches -- on either side of the main guidelines to determine where the edges of the path will be (figure A).
- In the same manner used to mark the first set of gridlines, stakes and string are used to mark the pathway boundaries. To differentiate these lines and make the visualization process easier, however, these lines are marked with pink string instead of yellow (figure B).
Note: Regardless of color, be sure to always use non-stretch construction string for marking guidelines. - Once each pathway border is marked, Dinos and the crew begin laying concrete curb stones (figure C) along the pink lines so the stones are nose to tail. (It may be necessary to dig a slight depression for each curb stone.) As they're laid in place, the stones are carefully aligned so they're consistently even with the line of the string (figure D).
Tip: Tie the string at the same height as the curb stones to make the alignment process easier. Note: Choosing border material with some height is important if you're using pea gravel or similiar material for your paths. Here, for example, the three-inch height of the concrete curb stones will prevent gravel from getting knocked into the garden quadrants. - Once all pavers have been laid in place, it's time to anchor them in their respective positions. These stones have anchoring blocks that allow a steel peg to be inserted through the block and into the ground (figure E).
To attach the blocks to the curb stones, Dinos and the crew first hammer the blocks into the stones, pushing the base portion of the blocks into the stones' pre-formed openings located on the side (figure F). - When the blocks are turned back upright and re-set in place, the steel pegs are inserted through the anchor blocks and hammered into the ground (figure G).
- With the pathway edges now defined, the quadrants are clearly visible. These areas, which will be filled with beautiful plants in the second phase of the project, are also known as "parterres."
Historical Note: Quadrant gardens were at the height of their popularity during the Italian Renaissance and in 17th-century France. Time elapsed: 8 hours.
|
|
|
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
