Stepping Stones

Hi, I am new to this forum and trying to get my yard in shape. In my back yard, there is an area that when it rains it holds water, I kind of have an idea how to take care of this but I am interested in putting stepping stones around this area. What can I put around this area so that when I step on stones, the stones won't go deep into dirt due to mud? Any suggestions?

I would pay a landscape architect for an hour of time to get some idea about how to route the water away from that area - then you would not have the mud to deal with.

With regard to the stone question - we have large flagstones placed to form a path and I bet the stones are 4 inches or more in height. I can't imagine that these stones would sink into mud. So maybe it is a question of stone size. Also maybe the right choice of a base would help offset your issues. Could you set in gravel or 'crush and run?' Does that sound like it would work? I think paying for an hour of time from a professional will repay you with much more value than the cost. He/She can also advice on ways to dress it up and answer any other questions you may have about plant choices etc.

Here is an example of the size of the flagstones. It rains sometimes pretty hard and the stones have not sunk. The land to the right is higher and so the runnoff definitely runs toward the stones.

(Edited to make sense!)

This message was edited Mar 18, 2010 4:31 PM

You probably have poor drainage in the area that retains water. I'm currently building a path leading to my side gate that is approximately 35' L and 4.5' wide. You need to excavate to about 4" down (or more if you have poorly draining soil), amend with builder's sand for drainage, then place the stones. Are you putting gravel around the stones or just placing stones amongst the ground? If you intend to put gravel, you should excavate the whole area and amend for drainage purposes. I should finish my project this weekend, but it's a lot of work if you're doing a large area! Hope it helps.

So I can mix the builders sand with the dirt I have and it would help with drainage? If I do this can I put the stones directly down or do I need gravel to go under the stones?

Consider making a rain garden in that area to help with the poor drainage, and then installing a walkway.

http://www.raingardens.org/Create_A_Garden.php

http://www.native-raingarden.com/

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/home_improvement/1276541.html

http://www.rd.com/how-to-build-a-stone-path/article18124.html

http://landscaping.about.com/od/drivewaysandwalkways1/ht/stone_walkway.htm

Moon - that is a great idea.

Just makes for a little less work and solves a couple problems. Grin

From what I have read, a sand/gravel bed is what keeps stones from sinking, but the depth required seems to be sort of a guess/experience/depends on your soil thing. Many articles just say use more if there's mud.

I put my 2 inch tall pavers down directly on the mud, knowing it wouldn't last. Most of them have sunk to ground level over about five years, except where the tree roots are big. It occurs to me that it might be easier to just put more pavers over the top than to dig them out and add gravel. In my situation, sand would wash downhill. This method gives me and the dogs a small dry serviceable walkway but it isn't level or "front yard" pretty.

missingrosie-- I love your flagstone path and the arbor. Just what we are wanting to do. Did you set the flagstone on sand or just lay them down? Is the arbor cedar? Do you think one could be made with other trees? How tall are the posts? Thanks for the inspiration.

I will check when I get home regarding the height.

Yes the arbor is cedar - it is shaggy as it peels. When I get home I will upload a photo that shows how it is built - It didn't take any time to cobble it together.. but the 4 'legs' were set in cement. No sand - just dug out and then backfilled. These pieces are very thick and so I think that is where the stability came in. Each pallet had perhaps 3 or 4 stone each - because so large and thick. I don't see why can't be made of something else as long as you have straight limbs. There may be an issue with rotting quicker - cedar is fairly resistant although I think it will rot eventually.

momma - here are a few photos that will help you see how simple the construction. hope they help and are inspiring to you since so easy to construct. even if flagstones not your 'thing' right now.. a nice path can be made easily and inexpensively with what we call Chapel Hill gravel (pea gravel) and would look great coming from / going through the arbor.

the top

from the side (the top construction) not so hot a photo but best I could find.

later this will have hyacinth bean instead of the yellow confederate j. (If I can get the deer to leave alone until it grows too high for them to munch.)

Been off thread for a while, sorry. Oh that is so pretty. Love the bunny. We found cedar posts on craigslist for $2/ft!! Practically in our back yard--next town over! WOO HOO. The guy also has a bunch of kudzu vine that he will let us have. I may use it to create a woven base for the roof. Hubby on vaca. this week and we are getting busy-- in the yard I mean. Will post pics of gazebo and arbor when done but this is what they will look like. We plan to use sweet autumn clematis instead of a roof. and not have the extra wood framing the roof area. Have no idea of exact measurements yet but it will be about 8' x 10'. Just big enough for a glider and 2 chairs-- goal is an intimate reading area for me and our girls. One concern is the attraction of bees with sweet autumn. Has anyone tried it? May do trumpet vine instead.

We have lots of bees ;0( with the confederate J. But we just get buzzed and not chased. The bees are very distracting with the concerns that come with them (husband very allergic) and so it is the worry more than the 'actuality' since they don't seen to pay much attention to us - just go about their business. Maybe you can google for vines that bees "don't" love that are appropriate for your zone and sun conditions. Please post photos. I would love to see what you do with those posts!