Laying cobbles in mortar

Cobblestones make a most attractive contrast to areas of flat paving.use them in place of an occasional slab to add a change of texture.In larger areas,they can add decorative detail or an interesting surface.Because rounded cobblestones are not very comfortable  or easy to walk on ,they can be used to good effect on a patio to guide people away from overhanging plants or to deter children from getting too close to a barbecue area or pond.Cobbles team specially well with stone seats and ornaments and look superb in an oriental-style area.they also make an attractive base on which to stand containers of plants,particularly shrubs-the texture of cobbles associates particularly well with suhbjects such as Japanese maples and conifers that have feathery foliage.When cobblestones are used as a decorative surfacing amongst plants ,it is usual to bed them loosely into the soil;this allows rain water to tun through,and also lets you change the design without difficulty.However,if people are to walk on the cobbles,bed them into cement or mortar to hold them firmly in place.Since they can be slippery when wet,it is also a good idea to set cobbles so that about half of each stone is above the level of the cement base,leaving plenty of drainage space for water to run away between the stones.in a large area,lay cobbles on a very slight slope,the same as for paving slabs,so that water does not lie in puddles.

 

An ornamental feature in a gravel area

Gravel is the cheapest ,yet one of the most attractive ,paths you can have.It is also the quickest and easiest to put down or to take up and move.It is goo for home security,as gthe crunching sound it makes underfoot gives warning of visitors.Gravel is very adaptable and loot ‘at home’ina rustic cottage garden or an ultramodern ‘designer’patio.But one of its best features is the way plants take to it.Seedlings quickly naturalize themselves or can deliberatly plant into it.The most suitable plants for growing in gravel are naturally drought resistant alpines,herbs,euphorbias,and small shrubs such as cistus,helianthemum and hebe.Conifers associate marvelously with gravel,but many will go brown around the edges if subjected to drought.Junipers are the most tolerant;choose a compact variety if space  is limited.Gravel can also make a stunning feature with a patio.Try leaving out a few paving slabs to create an irregular area of bed and make a planted gravel garden in the space.Team some suitable plants together,and perhaps add an ornament –it looks good,yet is virtually maintenance-free.

 

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