- 1). Measure the perimeter of your existing bed. Keep in mind the size of the bricks as you calculate the amount of bricks you will need. Lay a garden hose on the lawn to reconfigure the shape if you wish to make changes. Move the hose around until the shape is pleasing.
- 2). Spray paint the grass adjacent to the hose or use the powdered lime to mark the shape. Remove the hose.
- 3). Dig a trench along the marked line to the width and depth of brick plus 2 inches. Strive for a sharp perpendicular "wall" to the trench, especially on the lawn side. Remove the sod. Level the soil in the trench.
- 4). Fill the trench with 2 inches of sand or crushed rock. Rake it smooth. Tamp with the 2 by 4 until the trench is level. If you are using landscape fabric as a weed barrier, place it in the trench at this time. Cover the bottom and sides of the trench. You can trim the extra fabric away later.
- 5). Place the bricks in the trench. They should lay slightly higher than the surrounding soil as they will settle in time. Tamp the bricks to nestle them into the sand/crushed rock. Continue in this fashion until your circle is complete. Any adjustments in size can be made with the last few bricks.
- 6). Sweep sand into the gaps in bricks. Free-form style beds will have gaps between the bricks, particularly at the curves. If you used landscape fabric, trim away any excess with a sharp utility knife.
- 7). Rake soil toward the bricks on the garden side. Now you are ready to plant and mulch.
- 1). Measure the perimeter of your existing bed. Remember to consider the size of the bricks when you calculate the amount of them you will need.
- 2). Pound the stakes into the corners of your rectangle and along the sides every 6 feet. Wrap the string around the base of the stakes, stretching it between them all. Mark the string line with spray paint or powdered lime.
- 3). Follow Steps 3 through 7 in Section 1 above (Free-Form Style) to complete your project.
Free-form Style Island Bed
Rectangle Garden Island
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