How to create a succulent garden using pebbles and pots?

[Innov8tive]

This concrete slab was full of stones this morning. I've cleared it as I want to make a succulent garden. My idea was to lay down white large pebbles and then have rounded style pots (see image) where I could plant the succulents. 

I'm just wondering should I put the pebbles right up to the fence line there and also Id like to make some sorts of stop gap between the dirt and slab adjacent to the fence line. 

Unless there is something easier to lay then pebbles over the concrete slab that will complement the pots and succulents, I'm open to suggestions. 

At this stage - I'm just in the laying the foundation phase. 

Cheers. 

 

 

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @Innov8tive 

I propose building a sleeper surround frame that will give your succulent garden definition. Building a rectangular sleeper frame provides you with the gap you are after and keeps the pebbles inside preventing them from spreading out or getting kicked away. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Noyade, @Dave-1 and @OG_Bee for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Innov8tive]

Hi @EricL 

I am kind of imagining a wooden sleep rectangle frame around the parameter and think that will work well. I've never built one but if I knew how I could easily do it Would I need to join the two pieces together or keep them seperate? 

Also what wood would be most suitable given that there are times they will get wet due to rain and watering the garden?

I'm assuming I would need to make a pathway between the dirt and concrete for it to slot in? 

[EricL]

Hello @Innov8tive 

Generally speaking, it would be a straight surface join (two ends meeting together), there is no need for special cuts or preparation. I only suggest drilling pilot holes for the screws such as the Buildex® 14G x 100mm Class 4 Bugle Batten Screws - 25 pack. I recommend using 200 x 50mm Sleeper H4 Sienna MicroPro 2.4m, this is rated for outside use and direct contact with soil. I don't think its necessary to make a pathway as you can place this directly over the section you are putting the pebbles in. It will be heavy enough to keep itself in place, but you do have the option of moving it to another location.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.  

Eric

[Innov8tive]

@EricL 

That seems simple enough. Would an 8 mm drill bit be appropriate for the pilot hole for that specific screw? I clicked on the link for the sleeper but it says it is no longer available. 

[EricL]

Hello @Innov8tive 

You can get something similar in the same size such as the Buildex® 14G x 100mm Class 4 Bugle Batten Screws - 100 pack or similar. The 8mm drill bit would be too big, I suggest using a 4.5mm in order to have a good grip. 

Eric

[Innov8tive]

@EricL 

No worries, I think I should have that size drill bit. Oh, I never meant the screws were unavailable, I meant the sleepers that you put a link to. They were marked as no longer available. 

[EricL]

Hello @Innov8tive 

My apologies for the miscommunication. I propose giving your local store a call first and see which sleepers are are in stock. You can also use the 200 x 50mm 2.4m Treated Pine Sleeper as an alternative.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Innov8tive]

@EricL 

No worries. I will give the store a call before going. Thanks for the advice. 

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Innov8tive 

I have a different option to keep the pebbles in check  

I used these Custom Concrete Products 900mm Straight Tapered Garden Edge  to keep the gravel away from the edge and to provide a raised edge plus gutter. They really have worked well over the past few years.

Side path rebuild from recyled pavers Step 4 shows the edges I used and how I used them.

I like the idea of white bebbles and a succulant "money tree" in a pot or a few of them would look pretty nice once they establish themselves.

Dave