| What is the correct way to nstall flower beds on a lawn? |
| While the grass will die if you pile up 12-18 inches of soil on top, I prefer to remove the sod and then build the beds. This way the ground will drain well. If you leave the grass it will eventually decompose but until it does it the thatch and roots can keep water from percolating down through. Once you've removed the soil, add your topsoil and plant. An informal flower bed doesn't need a border - you can simply raise the level of the bed with your topsoil and angle the sides down towards the ground. Or, you can border the bed with bricks, landscape blocks, wood, etc. If you don't want to import soil and make a raised bed you can simply remove the grass and roots, add compost to the soil to help enrich it, and plant your flowers. Edging will keep the lawn from encroaching, as will wood, plastic, brick or concrete block. Best wishes with your new flower bed. |
