Bluestone rounds to replace lawn

[Kate23]

A struggling lawn was replaced with with large Bluestone rounds and easy-to-maintain groundcover Dichondra.

• The project
• Before and after
• Other projects using Bluestone rounds

The project

Our backyard is full of lovely trees so it gets a lot of shade, and with an energetic dog our lawn didn't last. Instead of laying more turf, we decided to replace the lawn with Bluestone rounds.

Bluestone rounds are quarried and cut from boulders, so they are a natural product and each one is unique. Each round is $30–60 depending on their size. 

We used a ratio of one part concrete to two parts sand and three parts gravel. Mixing the concrete by hand in a wheelbarrow was slow going, so we borrowed a small cement mixer to make it quicker and easier. We also realised we should have put a string line down and left it. Some of the first rounds we laid are a little too low. 

Laying the rounds was really easy. We used a mortar mix to make sure they wouldn't move. If you use thicker rounds and a bit of pavers sand, they probably wouldn't move.

Dichondra is growing beautifully as ground cover between the pavers.

Before and after

 

Other projects using Bluestone rounds

Workshop Community Manager Jason built a rambling path from his front gate to the front door using Bluestone rounds to make the trek in wet weather a little easier.

Jason also made use of Bluestone rounds in the narrow walkway down the side of his house alongside river pebbles and railway sleepers.

[abc______12345]

@Kate23 looks great, what edging is used in the narrow walkway area (where the sleepers and lemon tree are)?

[Jason]

That's actually my sideway project @abc______12345.

We used the interlocking rust-look steel edging strips.

Jason

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Kate23 

Thats a peaceful looking area that just makes you want to put your feet up.

How long did the Dichondra to grow? Its something I think I will keep in mind for future paths

Dave

[Jason]

Hi @Dave-1,

Dicondra is really fast growing and also wonderfully easy to grow. We've also got it growing around bluestone pavers near our pool and it's doing equally well in full sun as it is under the shade of trees. There's a reason it's such a popular choice for groundcover!

Jason

[Dave-1]

@Jason 

Mmmm wonder if it would grow between my pavers instead of weeds Think I will give it a go after this hot weather settles down.

Dave