How to Do a Stone Flowerbed

Design and build the bed first. Prepare the soil by spading it or turning it over with a shovel and removing any grass, weeds or other debris; be especially careful to remove any roots of Bermuda or similar fast-spreading grass. Mix in any compost or other conditioner your soil may need. Outline the bed area and decide how high you want the bed to be. Raised beds are easiest to work on and maintain, but choose the height to suit your landscaping.

Decide what type of stone you want for edging and how you want to set it. Use formal quarried stones or natural flag or field stone, which varies in size and shape, depending on the look you want. Lay stone rectangles lengthwise, one or two rows high (with gaps overlapping). Set the first stone slightly below the level of the surrounding yard or path. Use natural stone in a similar fashion, depending on width; some thicker field stone works well as individual rocks, while thinner stones can be stacked.

Vary the stone flower bed by setting stones upright. Dig a trench with a garden trowel deep enough to hold the stones firmly and place them vertically with the bed to fill in behind them. Space these stones tightly together to prevent erosion through the seams. Use this method with either quarried or natural stone. Set quarried rectangles all the same height or at varying heights for more visual interest.

Make multi-level stone beds on sloping ground. Set a row of stones, natural or quarried, to make a bottom level or terrace. Move up the slope and place a second row of stones. Use this technique to divide types of flowers, roses on the top terrace, dwarf marigolds, petunias or other low-growing plants at the bottom. Make as many levels as the slope requires. Add a bird bath or garden sculpture on the top level for added interest.