thanks good tips.
"Janet Fairchild & Tak Nakamoto" wrote in message
news:MOD$011030.15095@rec.gardens.ecosystems... > > I've installed turfstone as a pathway material in my garden in Berkeley > (CA). I think I have conditions somewhat similar to yours (clay soil,
slight > slope etc.) I've found that laying turfstone directly on top of clay to be > somewhat of a problem. Because clay tends to swell and shrink according to > the amount of water in the ground, the surface of turfstone path tends to > become uneven over time. I can imagine that if the surface is driven over, > that the problem would be worse. (I use my path just to roll my garbage
cans > and wheel barrow.) > > If you will be driving or parking on the turfstone, I think that you'll
want > to install a well draining, compacted base layer of crushed gravel (or > crushed recycled concrete) before you lay your turfstone. A 4 to 6 inch > layer should do the job. Having to reset turfstone because of the swelling > is a pain in the a**. I know. > > Also thyme grows well in the turfstone. Be sure to include some form of > irrigation in your plans. > > Tak Nakamoto > > Marc wrote in message > news:MOD$011030.11217@rec.gardens.ecosystems... > > > > > > "Kelly Houston" wrote in message > > news:MOD$011029.14034@rec.gardens.ecosystems... > > > > > > >Chamomile is endemic in hills nearby. But thyme sounds more
appealing. > > > >Thank you > > > > > > Thyme is very suceptible to crabgrass invasion. It doen't do a good
job > > of > > > keeping weeds down for some reason. However, I live in the SF bay
area, > > and the > > > crabgrass just keeps going year round...weeds are a constant battle in > the > > > areas where I have creeping thyme. > > > > > > You said you would like to use low water natives: where are you and > what > > kind > > > of soil/climate conditions do you have? > > > Kelly > > > > > Vallejo Ca NE corner of the SF Bay Area. > > Soil is heavy clay, (what else) well drained slope partial shade. 4-5 > hours > > direct hot sun in Summer. > > More in winter because of deciduous tree. > > When I install turfstone I can fill 3" hole with good soil/compsote/sand > > mix. But below that will be hard heavy clay. > > > > > > > > >