laying garden paving

[norlam66]

Hi, I have had so many differing views on paving I just need to know just a little more, my question is after compacting the soil with hard core do you need to spread "lime" before you lay the sharp sand? I was told this because it prevents weeds from coming through also is it necessary after the sand to mount the paving slabs on a layer of dry/damp cement if there is anyone out there in internet land please can you help. norlam66@ntlworld.com thanks.

[The Helpful Gardener]

Hi

I am not sure what kind of weather you have (or where you're at, for that matter), but in New England, setting things in anything vaguely approaching cement is a mistake. Frost heaving and the attendant scree it brings up from the depths have a way of making anything permanent crack up in a few years time.

I have done both brick and stone in stone dust and/or sand, and find it works great for me, and makes it easy to rework or replace what may need it. As for weeds, a flame weeder can double as a de-icer in the winter, and truth be known, I have started planting those spaces between stepping stones with groundcovers, so the weeding issue gets eliminated there.

Hope this helps,
Scott