|
well-drained courtyard garden
Transforming a small courtyard into a waterwise space is achieved with clever design.
The aim was to fix the waterlogged flat area by creating slope for water runoff into gravel drainage pits
around the perimeter of the pavers, which were spaced with 50mm gaps for planting between and to let water penetrate the sub base. The rest of the courtyard was thickly mulched
for water absorption and retention.
Here's how:
1. Use a Bosch Laser Level to check the fall away from the house, establishing the high point from the slab at the backdoor and providing 25mm of fall per metre to pegs set at the perimeter. Dig 400 x 400 x 400mm drainage pits at low points and fill with gravel. You can cover the pits with geo-textile fabric (thin gardening fibre sheets) to prevent clogging.
2. Set stringlines to mark out the paved area, excavating to 150mm below the finish level. Bring in gravel and rake it to 100mm thick, creating fall to drainage pits. Hire a plate compactor for the day to pack it tightly, lightly spraying with water as you go.
3. Add a 30mm layer of sand over the base, spreading with a shovel and rake. Set screed rails in the sand 40mm below the finished paving height in the direction of the fall. Pack and level the sand by pulling a screed board (long, straight piece of wood) along the rails.
4. Position pavers in a diagonal brick-bond pattern, tapping into position with a rubber mallet. Start at the back door, using a length of 50mm-wide timber as a spacer and guide for straight lines. For extra stability, lift the pavers at the doorway to bed on extra sand and cement mortar mix.
5. Spread potting mix or soil between the pavers using a broom, making four small cone-shaped holes in the mix to plant groundcover beside the pavers. Dichondra repens is ideal in shady areas and takes just a few months to grow into the gaps.
6. Blend quality garden soil through the existing soil to prepare the beds, positioning plants. Spread a 100mm layer of mulch (click here for your own mulch for free) over the beds to inhibit weed growth, slowly add nutrients to the soil and conserve moisture.
|
