Followed your link to this updated video, and just wanted to let your recent viewers know I built a border in 2017 with some smaller Belgian pavers using this technique, and after 4 winters with lows around -9 to -17 deg. F, my border still looks just like when I first built it. Every single block is still exactly where I laid it. (Except for a few my fencing contractors busted out to replace a wood fence.)
Glad to know it held up. I've watched a couple different videos on making borders and this one is the I think I'll follow. I was worried how it would hold up over time.
I just finished my no dig border, 50 ft, and I am very happy with the results. I am 81 and can't even lift a 50 lb. sack of Quickrete, but I figured out how to slip it from my car into my wheelbarrow. I left it in the wheelbarrow, slit open the top, and used a #3 can to scoop it out. Once I got the weight down to about 10 lbs, I could lift it up and pour the rest out. I made sure my bricks were all even using a board on top, and level sideways and it really looks professional. Thanks for the great instructions.
Whoa, Jeanette!!!! I am super impressed!! Wow!!!! I hope you are already recognizing the advantages of this border over any you have had in the past. You work has really paid off!! Hey, if want to share some photos of your project, I'd love to see it and post it on my website www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border. If you want, you can just email the pix to tim@timvogelaar.com. Jeannette, thank you for this inspirational comment!!!!
Jeannette Rowden you are my hero!! I am a single senior and want to do as much as I can without hiring someone (too expensive). I'm going to try your method of slipping the bag of Quickrete into my wheelbarrow. Now all I need is an Iron Man body suit to do the rest!! 😅😅 I'll take my time as I have a very bad back. It's always great to hear from someone who took on this type of project at our age! Thank you for your comment!!
I really, really appreciate that. Thank you for the kind words. I’m a middle school teacher so maybe that’s the reason for the qualities of the video. Have a great day!
Me again... this update is GREAT! I especially love that you recommend protection while working with quickcrete, too... folks who haven't worked with it before aren't likely to know they really do need protection when handling it. This update has so many useful nuggets... better pricing for metal spikes... how many linear feet per bag of quickcrete... slope away from the house for drainage... well done, sir!!!
Ya it’s the right time of year while it’s cool out and the ground is better to work in for planting now because of the rains. Later in summer planting can get pretty difficult. Some places I work get hard as a rock later in summer.
As I watched this I thought “you must be kidding?” This is one of, if not the best DIY project videos I’ve ever seen. I can’t to redo the border block stones I tried to lay down in my back yard. I could have used this two years ago. With sincere thanks.
Thank you for the thoughtful comment and I'm really glad you found this video. I was working on a landscaping border a few years ago and dreamed up this idea and it solves so many problems that people have with borders. If you get a chance to create the border, please send me some pix so I can post them on my website ok? I have to say that I really like your username. :)
I love how simple this is and how you got straight to the point an broke it down step by step!! No long drawn out talking just straight to business awesome video and work 👍👏🏽
Excellent execution and video. I'm in the middle of my project and have all the materials in my garage. I've done this before but I looked up some videos to see if anything changed, improved, etc. Your video is the best. It's getting hotter now so I'm just managing a little at a time. Thank you!
Thank you for the compliments, zirilli3. I really appreciate those kind words. I came up with this idea myself a few years ago, so if you see any other videos on this technique, they have just copied off my original video or this video that I updated in 2020. It's good to hear about your progress. Please send me pix to tim@timvogelaar.com if you get a chance. I'd love to see your handiwork!!
This is my concern too--or, if you as the owner want to change/update/add to landscaping area and are stuck with the headache of removing concrete! Would sand be an alternative here??
You should flip the plastic edging on the outside of the concrete and remove and reuse for the next edging. The concrete is way stronger and no need of the plastic edge once it’s set in place.
I am 73 woman from Australia. I like and thank you very much for the simple, practical and easy operation of your video, which gives me confidence and motivation to make flower bed borders. I would like to ask you if concrete can be directly laid on the soil? How many centimeters is the thickness of the concrete bed? How many meters does 20kg of concrete cover? Thank you very much!
Yes, you can pour the concrete mix out on grass or bare dirt...whatever is fine. the concrete ends up beig about 2 inches thinck since that is about how tall the plastic edge is that you use for levelling. One bag of concrete works for about 5 linear feet of border. Make usre and buy "FAST-SETTING"....no other kind works the same.
This is an excellent question and one that I would be interested in knowing too if I lived up there. Here is what I know. On my older video of this technique, I had people from several years ago, testify as to how happy they were with this border after multiple winters and these people lived in New England, Chicago, and Canada. That being said, I don't have personal experience building them up there and I do understand your concern.
This video has inspired me! I have 2 questions I’m hoping you might answer. 1. Could I use this same technique if I used organically mismatched shaped stones approx 10” wide x 7” high rather than pavers? 2. How hard would it be to dig it all up a few years from now if I ever decide to change the border? Thanks for any guidance you can offer… it’s videos like yours that inspire me to tackle these jobs on my own and actually enjoy the process😊
I really appreciate your kind words.❤️👍 1. Yes. No problem. 2. You’d have to sledgehammer it apart to bust it up, so I wouldn’t making this border unless you are sure of what you want for many years. Have a great day, @tyler9. Thank you again for your kind words.
Luminary79, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave this comment. I bet it looks amazing. I would love it if you could send me your finished photos to tim@timvogelaar.com so I can share them with others on my website. Congratulations!!!!
I understand how the border is supposed to be used but seeing the black trim just drives me crazy, I think I might place the trim backwards and push the bricks up against the lip instead so the trim isn't scene but allows to keep the perfect form and shape of the edge
Thank you for your comment. If you don't want the black plastic edge to show, what you will do is attach the edging to the ground in reverse so you are driving the spikes into the ground on the outside of the border making it removable. Also, you don't need to buy the strong metal ones and you can just use the wimpy plastic ones that come in a bag with the edging. You might want to buy an extra bag of plastic ones. What I have done is cut the plastic spikes in half(I use hand garden clippers) so its easy to pound them in and pull them out also. Just wait a day or so until the cement has cured before pulling out the spikes and border. It needs to be mild air, like in the 50's for the cement to cure so right now might not be the right time to make this border. If you make it in summer, the cement cures within a couple hours so the curing goes real fast. Let me know if you need any more help. Thank you for your comment and question!! Have a good day, @ryanlocklear14.
You might not like the way it looks and that's fine, but the angle of the blocks is on purpose because I like it better that way. If you wanted, you could easily taper the cement off to the back side totally horizontal. Thanks for your opinion.
I am going to do this but I am going to bury the stones so they are ground level so that I ride the mower over the stones so that no weed eating along the stones will be needed. I just want to drive the mower and be done!
Tried to talk my husband into doing that. We bought a house. My first house purchase in my life! He would not do it. Now he's gone and I can do it how I like.
You can do this minus the concrete simply put down your edging make sure your ground is tamped and hard then lay your blocks. There is no need for the concrete
You can do it without it, but here is why it's best to use cement. The cement provides four major functions in this border technique 1. Height(for looks) 2. Keeps the stones straight/aligned over time 3. Stability/strength 4. Weed barrier(the extra width is nearly impenetrable to aggressive weeds and grasses(Bermuda Grass) that we have here in Nashville.
Great observation. Ya, I know you are referring to the bare dirt the plastic edge was nailed down to. I had just used a rake and changed the grade of about 1/4 of the area right before I built the border so thats why there was bare dirt there iinstead of grass. After this edge, I built another one around the tree in the same front yard right on top of the grass like the border is designed to do: ua-cam.com/video/2GsaE9scVAQ/v-deo.html Thanks for the comment, Jason, and have a great day!
Below is a post mentioning laying down fabric. Yet; in video nothing is mentioned about laying down fabric, etc. Does this need to be done? Making sure I don't miss a step 😉
Here is my highly recommended technique for mulching, using cardboard as a weed barrier- after making the border-not before. ua-cam.com/video/HIWDPlaB6wY/v-deo.html It really works. I would NOT recommend using fabric at all. If you would like to send me finished pix, I would love for you to send them to tim@timvogelaar.com. If you'd like to view some finished borders made by my viewers, you can see them here: www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border. I hope this helps. Have a great day, Misty Christman Silva!!
I have my own update. First, I may have neglected to adequately thank maxpatch for this video in my last post. After getting some ridiculous bids, the video inspired me to do it myself (with some help from a adult son). We had to figure a few things out...I spent too long worrying about the unevenness of the ground, I honestly fretted about it and then just figured out that the border will provide a constant level for the stones. I had to add here and there and remove here and there (I did not want a thin "footer" and a too thick one would waste concrete. That resolved, the next minor issue was small irregularities in the border when stretched, leaving small indentations or the inverse. I've decided they probably won't matter. This is a 130 ft stretch so finding enough 8 inch galvanized spikes required many trips to the big box store. Question: Do you need one in every hole? Anyway, so grateful for this and thanks for putting up with my questions. Sunday we set the stones!
I'm happy to help you out, @Rockyboy5151.....I end up having the spikes an average of 1-2 feet apart on average. Sometimes more or less depending on what I need to get the curves right and make it sturdy so it doesn't bend out weird when putting the concrete mix in. You have a big project!! I'd love to see it when you're finished. btw-you can 'get by' with 6" spikes if you need to, but I guess you are past that step already.....
This will heave, crack and become un-level in one season in any colder climate. Then you’ll need a giant dumpster to rip it out. As well as blowing out your back and a whole months worth of weekends.
Not true, Bob. I undertstand that what you are saying is traditonal thinking, but its just not true. Please read comments for testimonies from several people that have built these in the Northern U.S. and southern Canada. I know it may be hard to believe these are perfectly durable, but its true. They really last through harsh winters.
@@maxpatch67 You may be right - by using Flexible plastic paver restraints like the ones you get at Lowes or Home Depot one could use fast setting mortar and their own choice of border material. It’s just like setting the edge of any paver walkway - just no walkway.
Ya, that's a good point and a valid consideration. This border would make your place look bad without trimming. You'll need to use another style of border. Have a great day!!
If I wanted to go 2nor 3 blocks high can I use that same cement as a mortar for the blocks? Or do you recommend using construction adhesive I’ve been seeing this lately
Yes, landscaping block adhesive is what you would use. Honestly, I don't think this border would look good built up with 2 or 3 layers high because you aren't using a levelling process so this really throws off the border as it gets higher. If you want a little wall, you should use a different and more traditional wall building technique. I hope this helps.
You might add one more layer with this technique and be ok using either landscaping adhesive or traditional mortar. I have never done it, but it should work. If you want to go multiple layers high, use a different technique that uses a traditional levelling method so its much stonger, stable and looks good with the added height. I hope this helps.
Awesome!! You won't be disappointed. If you get a chance to send me some finished pix of your border, my email address is tim@timvogelaar.com. I'd like to post them on my website: www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border. Have a great day!!
Ya, you'd better use more of a traditional wall building technique. Don't use this border technique for a little wall. It will not work for that purpose. Have a good day, Michael!
I want to do this boarder along the side of my concrete patio, can I do more than one layer of bricks? Possibly 2 or 3 bricks high, like a small wall using the concrete mix between bricks?
Yes, you can, but I don't recommend this technique for small walls. Its likely you won't be happy with it long term. For a small wall, I'd highly recommend a more traditional technique. If you decide to use this technique, I'd suggest some modifications that I'll describe here. Since you are making the border along the flat and level patio, I'd dig a little trench along the edge that is deep enough hold the depth of the landscaping block plus a couple inches of the concrete mix. If you want to make the first block a little higher than the patio level, then dig a shallower trench. Either way, you'd want to cut a piece of cardboard about 12"-14" long and about 8" high. Then you'll want to cut a rectangle shape out of the bottom on one end that corresponds to the space you want the block to be under the level under the patio level. So lets say you have a 4" tall block. If you want the block edge to be level with the patio, then you'd cut it to a 4" depth. Or if you want the block edge to be 3" taller than the patio, then you'd cut the cardboard to a 1" depth. Any way you make it, you will be able to use that cardboard to drag along the patio and the part hanging down lower will be parallel with the patio level and smooth out the dry cement mix nice and level with the patio and give you a very nice professional look. This step is similar to the the step in the video where the cardboard is used along the plastic edge, but you would be doing it different here. When placing the blocks in place, you could also pivot the blocks back and forth and create a solid edge. Then, you just dump a litle extra cement with a cup along the outside edge to keep the blocks more firmly in place over time. Then, you mist it all and it will bond together as shown in the video. If you really wanted, you could use landscaping adhesive to add another layer taller. It will be level since you are using the patio surface as your leveller, so it should look good if you add a second layer. On the normal border technique, the border height changes along with the ground height which looks good at one layer high, but I don't like the way it looks for short walls at all. To finish this variation in technique, you'd just fill in dirt back along the blocks and put grass back in that you had dug out earlier. If you water it, the grass shold come back strong along the edge. I hope this helps. Let me know if you don't get something about my advice. Have a good day, @lcunning74.
Yes, this border can be adapted to many situations. Here is the link to the blocks at Lowes and Home Depot. I think each place has a more tannish one and a more whitish/grayish one. Here you go: Grayish: www.lowes.com/pd/Flagstone-Ashland-Retaining-Wall-Block-Common-4-in-x-11-in-Actual-4-in-x-11-2-in/4686351?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-lwn-_-bng-_-LIA_LWN_236_Hardscapes-_-4686351-_-Local-_-0-_-0&msclkid=e2352b3a464113b87b3f4fbe44fe6528&gclid=e2352b3a464113b87b3f4fbe44fe6528&gclsrc=3p.ds More white/gray www.lowes.com/pd/Flagstone-Allegheny-Retaining-Wall-Block-Common-4-in-x-11-in-Actual-4-in-x-11-2-in/4686343 Orangish: www.homedepot.com/p/Oldcastle-Mini-Beltis-3-in-H-x-8-in-W-x-4-in-D-Harvest-Blend-Concrete-Retaining-Wall-Block-16252111/307676509 I can't find the more white/grayish ones at Home Depot.
Craig, I have not made a second layer on this type of border because I don't know if it would look that good and the difficulty level is raised some because you would mix up and use a traditional mortar between the layers. Even, though, it involves more work, I would highly recommend digging out the old dirt and mulch out of your area so the level is dropped enough so that there is plenty of room for the mulch to sit in there without spilling over. Also, the same thing can be accomplished by building your border out further so the dirt can slope down to the level of the bottom of the blocks and also have room for mulch. I hope this helps. Have a great day!!
The width of the concrete is about one foot deep to create a substantial grass and weed barrier. Here in Nashville, we have Bermuda Grass that is very aggressive and it sends out shoots both above and below the ground and this extra width goes a long way in controlling it. So, yes, if you don't think you need that, then you could make yours however narrow you want. Great question, Don, and thanks for asking!
I am very new to the outdoor DIY game so please forgive me if this is a stupid/impractical question. Could this technique be used to make a (permanent) patio of pavers? I hate the idea of spending a million hours (or dollars) to dig, level dirt, add sand, level sand, add fabric, add and level gravel, lay pavers, more sand...etc. Could I get the ground close to level, add the fast-setting concrete and make sure it is level, lay the pavers, and then add water? Maybe there would not be enough space between pavers for that to work. Yes, I also realize this would be hard to remove later (assuming it works).
Troy, I'm struggling to know how to respond to this, because there are so many variables like ground settling, size, location, opinions on this and that......so I really don't know. It sounds like it might work, but I don't want to encourage you to try it and have it not work out. I think if it were me, I would use a taller border edge and using a wheelbarrow, dump tamping gravel into the area, use a tamper to flatten out your base and set your bricks/pavers on that. Maybe push some sand across it with a broom when finished to fill in the gaps. Using that method, the main thing you won't like when finished is the unevenness, so take the time to tamp it completely flat before laying your bricks/pavers down. Anyway, that's my idea for your diy patio dilemna...otherwise, I think I'd go with the traditional steps you find in other videos.
Yes, you can, Leticia, however, I don't recommend using landscaping fabric for any landscaping area because in my experience, weeds grow right through and on top of the best of fabrics so I don't use them any more. Here is a technique I do recommend, though: studio.ua-cam.com/users/videoHIWDPlaB6wY/edit. I hope this helps. Have a great day, Leticia!!
Just use landscaping block adhesive between your layers. I'd love to see your finished pix.....if you want to email them to me, it's tim@timvogelaar.com Have a great day!!
Yes, it might seem unnecessary, but I do this for additional weed control for aggressive weeds and grasses that we have here in Nashvillle like Bermuda Grass that sends runners under the ground. This one foot width goes quite a ways in helping out with weeding in this way.
Great video!! Could you do do this to line a gravel driveway? And besides mulch, what could you put down to cover the left over concrete? Would regular dirt and grass seed also work?
No, it would be better to choose some other border than this one if you don't want to use the concrete. The cement is at the center of its features of long-lasting stabilty, and as an amazing weed barrier that is impenatrable. Let me know if I can help you any more, spade749. Have a great day!!
Great video! If I place the border over grass, would I need to lay down a barrier for weed control, or could I just put down the Quikrete over the grass?
Bradia, the concrete should go right on top of the grass. It will kill it. If you want to spray the grass inside the borer area with grass/weed killer you can or use this organic option that I use: ua-cam.com/video/HIWDPlaB6wY/v-deo.html
Dominique, this is an excellent question and one that I would be interested in knowing too if I lived up there. Here is what I know. On my older video of this technique, I had people from several years ago, testify as to how happy they were with this border after multiple winters and these people lived in New England, Chicago, and Canada. That being said, I don't have personal experience building them up there and I do understand your concern.
Usually, I run a black corrugated pipe out, under the ground to a box in the yard where the water can spill out from. If I'm running it out very far, use white pvc pipe through the ground instead so the flow rate is improved. If you have any more questions, I can give you more detail on that. I hope this helps. Have a great day, Anthony.
The concrete works for apporoximately 5 linear feet so if you get 4 or 5 bags that should be enough, but maybe get 6 just in case...its no fun to be short...just return the extra. You might not need the Vigoro edging in your situation. It is used as a form to level off the cement mix and keep the shape nice, so evaluate what you have going on and see what you think. I hope this helps, Adam.
No, it wouldn't be that easy to remove the concrete. You'd need to sledge hammer it up. If you are not sure of what you want for a long time, then don't build this one...it would be better for you to just dig a trench edge with a shovel and use that while you think about it over time.
You'll probably want to use another method since you want to move your border around pretty often. This method is really dependant on this exact concrete product being used and any substitutes takes away it's main attributes. Please let me know if I can help you any more, Jai.
Question, does this allow for drainage if the bed is on a downward slope? If not, is there a good way to include weep holes? Maybe Skip the concrete mix in between the pavers every few stones?
Mark, you are on to some good ideas and I have not thought about this idea before. If you figure something out, please let me know, ok? Have a good day!
My wife and I did this today. Your video was so helpful. Our border came looking better than we had hoped. Adding the curves was a great tip. The best thing about this is how quick it was. We finished a 20 foot border in a little over an hour.
Jose, I'm really glad to hear this! I'm so excited for you!! I have website where I'm posting pix of viewers finished borders and wondered if you mind sending me some pix! The website is: www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border. If you want to send me pix, you can send them to tim@timvogelaar.com. Thank you for taking the time to send me this comment, Jose!
You could either uses landscaping block cement or traditional mortar. I don't ever make these two layers, high, but if I did, those would be the choices. Have a great day!!
Just finished this ! I’m so grateful for this video. I completed it all by little old self. I wish I could share a picture here. I even split a rock for a perfect end on a piece that was short coming up to the end. I felt so empowered from this little project. Next step will be trying a fire pit spot. My husband is worried he will come home one day to a full on moat surrounding the house 🤣. Thank you for this!
Me and my husband just don’t know anything about gardening, I mean we are really awful doing anything related to that. But I saw this video and thought to myself “It looks like something we can do!”. And we just finally finished our landscaping (in two days) and it looks GREAT! I'm so thankful for this video! And thank you for sharing this to us!
I have two questions I'd like to hear your thoughts on. 1.) Do you find that the black plastic no-dig edging gets in the way when mowing? Does it get "chewed up"? Or can you mow right over it? 2.) How does the quick-krete affect the permanency? What if you want to change the border or remove it? Thank you!
1) No not at all I mow and weed wack right up against it. You don't mow over it because the blocks are right on top of it. 2) It's more or less meant to be permanent but if you want to remove, you can just whack the bricks with a sledgehammer and they will come loose easily. But the concrete will most likely be stuck to the bottom of the brick so not easily reusable. If you want to salvage the bricks you can put a piece of wood up against the brick before wacking it with the sledgehammer. But still will be a pita getting the concrete off the bottom.
@@maxpatch67 it turned out great! while we didn’t use the method in the video for our front bed (my back hates me) im DEFINITELY using it when we border our tree. Nonetheless I’m super proud i actually did it instead of paying someone to.
@@waldog38 😫oh bro the soreness! If i had come across this video just two days prior to us starting i would have, but to change our whole approach the night before we wanted to start would have just thrown us off.
Viewed your video several times, to get up my courage! Bought my supplies, recruited one helper, and in two days was able to transform my yard. My neighbors can't believe it! Just followed your steps. I did use cardboard instead of fabric for weed control -- we'll see how that works! I'd post some pics if I had permissions....big thanks for your video!!!! UA-cam is making us all experts!
Whoa...way to go, Kd theVP!!!! I'm so glad you shared your story. I'm gathering some pix from people that have made this border to share with others soon and if you'd like to share your pix with me, you could send them to tim@timvogelaar.com. That's my email associated with my photography website timvogelaar.com. I can't wait to see what you have made and thank you for the comment!
@@kdsmclife7080 Whoa!!! Incredible!!! That beautiful curve you have going across the front! Nice work! No wonder the neighbors are noticing...it really looks perfect.
No way!!! Actually that's about what I expect. :) I'm so glad to hear that and I really appreciate the update....very encouraging for myself and to others reading these comments. Have a great day, @eastsideozzy!!!
@@maxpatch67 I'm considering using this method but as the above poster mentioned about moving soil, I worry how well it will hold up over time. North Texas here, my ground shifts a lot due to our clay soil. Not sure if using paver base and sand would be any better.
Dream solution for a woman married to a non-gardening/non-handyman spouse. Getting materials tomorrow for our gardens that are desperately in need of a makeover
This is perhaps the best border instruction video I have seen. It took away my inexperienced fears by providing a simple step by step process that was very logical and not intimidating. Thanks! Where I live all the professionals are over worked and unavailable for small jobs like mine. My neighbors will thank you!!
Ricke Guitar, I'm also a middle school art teacher so maybe that expains the thoughtful instructions. I'm so excited for you. You won't regret creating your super nice border. If you'd like to send me pix to my email tim@timvogelaar.com then I could post them here: www.timvogelaar.com/Diy-no-dig-border-folder-of-galleries for others to see. Feel free to browse other viewers' work there. People have really improved their properties as you can see in the photos. Have a great day!
Excellent. Also watched the original. I'm moving and taking a lot of perennials with me. New place needs borders, and this 71 year old grandma is going to DIY, thanks to you!
Awesome!! If your area is going to be pretty big, you may want to have the materials delivered from you local store. They can deliver everything together, making it easier for you to get to building without having to lug the supplies home from the store yourself. Have a great day!!
Just did this this weekend. If you’re not sure, it is CHEAP and EASY! I can’t believe how good it looks. I have never done any type of landscaping and seriously thought this might end in us having to call in professionals but it looks SO GOOD! I was doing it myself around some trees in our front yard yesterday and our neighbors kept stopping to tell us how good it looked. We now have one of the best looking front yards in the neighborhood. If you’re on the fence, do this. It will turn out great if you follow the directions.
H L, thank you for taking the time to leave this comment. I really appreciate the high recommendation. I'm so happy you love your new landscaping border. I know you will be proud of it for many, many years. If you are interested, I'd love it at some point if you would send me some pix to use on my website. You could send them to tim@timvogelaar.com. Here is where I would post yours: www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border. Thanks again!! I am very happy for you!!! :)
Thank you! I’m going to try this soon. My husband and I are the least handy people. We know NOTHING about landscaping or anything house/ yard related. We are learning! Thank you for an easy to follow video!
My wife and I just completed edging our large landscaping bed in the front yard of our house .....so easy and only took us 3 hours....looks great! Thanks a million!
Mackey, I'm so excited for you!! I know it must be a huge upgrade for you and you feel so accomplished when you see what you have done. Congratulations!! If you'd like so share your images, I'd love to post them on my webpage here: www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border. You can mail them to tim@timvogelaar.com if you'd like. Have a great day and thanks for your comment, Mackey!!!
Honestly, it is really the very best method I've ever seen over all and I was just lucky enough to come up with the idea a few years ago. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment!!
I watched your video and did this along my backyard fence last year. Even though the ground isn't level, it turned out wonderfully. I've received a ton of compliments. I have already set the edging in place to do the same thing around the beds at the front of the house as well as three tree rings. Thank you so much for your videos and the inspiration.
Thank you for this encouraging comment. I really appreciate you taking the time to send this to me. I hope you will send me some pix to use on the website when you do your front borders...I can't wait to see them!! www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border
I am getting ready to lay new edging on my front yard. Is this method...using the concrete, a permanent job? What if I (or a new home owner) wanted to change the edging at a later date? Just curious how "permanent" this particular method is? Can the concrete be broken up easily if changes need to be made later? Thank much!
Well, the yard is not dug up so it wouldn’t take any digging to get it out, but you’d have to break it up with a sledge hammer. You’d want to choose another method if you’re not sure of the long term. Thanks for the question, Derek.
Wow!!! Way to go!!! If have have a chance, please send me a finished border photo at tim@timvogelaar.com. I'm going to make a gallery of borders for people to browse through for fun. Thanks.
It’s people like you that make the most of us no-good-for-nothing look pro 😁 I can’t wait to start this project using your steps and make our lawn beautiful. Thanks again. Like others have already commented, you are simply the best 🙏 thanks again
Hey, thank you so much. I really appreciate that. It means a lot to me!! If you get a chance when you are finished, I'd love it if you sent me some finished pix to put on my website to share with others as noted in the video description. Thanks again!!
Yes! Alternating the block faces would close the gaps. Maybe this would look good along a straight border? I recommend staying with the front facing arrangement, however. Many eye-pleasing landscapes use large, curving borders. The extra gap on the inside allows the border to turn without losing its "uniform" appearance.
@@maxpatch67 you can still easily make a curve without having gaps and I would recommend just throwing down a little paver base and tamp it rather than use concrete
Do you have a video on the DIY of the actual flower bed? I have a similiar style and "before" condition and would love to see the steps that went into making that flower bed look so nice
I don't have any videos on landscape design. As an artist, I think there is quite a bit that goes into it. I consider it to be "making art with plants". In this case, I used a mix of existing plants being trimmed way back, moving some plants, and adding a little new to make a pleasing look. Thanks for your question, alymar177!
maxpatch67 to add to the question. I cut all of the plants and bushes down that I did have in the flower bed already . But the roots are still there. Did you dig your roots up or just added new plants along with the roots?
I’m glad to hear that, Connie. This border has been perfected with step #5 that I added. Also, I tried to include details for the most common questions asked in my comments.
If have have a chance, please send me a finished border photo at tim@timvogelaar.com. I'm going to make a gallery of borders for people to browse through for fun. Thanks.
This border is considered to be permanent. You would need to use a sledgehammer to bust it up for removal. Ony build this border if you are very sure of what you want for many years. I hope this helps. :)
This is exactly what I have been looking for. I am landscaping an area with a lot of tree roots and so I can’t dig down to set them in the ground. I have spent hours watching videos on UA-cam and finally found my answer with your method. Thank you!
Hi Cindy, I am using this great method myself. I ran into a horrible patch of root thatch like you. about 30 feet of it. I bought a new wood saw blade for my reciprocating saw. it worked great.... it laid out precisely how wide I wanted and how deep I wanted the base for the concrete.
Yes! Alternating the block faces would close the gaps. Maybe this would look good along a straight border? I recommend staying with the front facing arrangement, however. Many eye-pleasing landscapes use large, curving borders. The extra gap on the inside allows the border to turn without losing its "uniform" appearance.
Can you then stack another level using the weight of the stone to hold it in place without extra cement or can use use a fine layer of the ready mix cement to make the next level? How do you do this with small incline will it look off?
you could do that if you want to make a straight line with the blocks, as that is what they are designed to do, but for curves the only way you can really remove the gaps is by cutting the block, or getting a 2" wall cap block
@@elizabethdinny7894 I think you would have to make sure (very sure) that the first level is level, the next layer could be added with some construction adhesive. I wouldn't do more than 2 layers high with this method. To go higher than that it is probably best to dig the first layer into the ground about half way.
Followed your link to this updated video, and just wanted to let your recent viewers know I built a border in 2017 with some smaller Belgian pavers using this technique, and after 4 winters with lows around -9 to -17 deg. F, my border still looks just like when I first built it. Every single block is still exactly where I laid it. (Except for a few my fencing contractors busted out to replace a wood fence.)
Thank you for your comment, CitizenKate. Fantastic!! I'm so glad to hear this!!
Lurgan has gone to shit from the IRS stopped the good work they were doing a lot fuck head need to be thanking out aasp🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪👍👍👍
Thank you so much
Ty
Glad to know it held up. I've watched a couple different videos on making borders and this one is the I think I'll follow. I was worried how it would hold up over time.
I just finished my no dig border, 50 ft, and I am very happy with the results. I am 81 and can't even lift a 50 lb. sack of Quickrete, but I figured out how to slip it from my car into my wheelbarrow. I left it in the wheelbarrow, slit open the top, and used a #3 can to scoop it out. Once I got the weight down to about 10 lbs, I could lift it up and pour the rest out. I made sure my bricks were all even using a board on top, and level sideways and it really looks professional. Thanks for the great instructions.
Whoa, Jeanette!!!! I am super impressed!! Wow!!!! I hope you are already recognizing the advantages of this border over any you have had in the past. You work has really paid off!! Hey, if want to share some photos of your project, I'd love to see it and post it on my website www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border. If you want, you can just email the pix to tim@timvogelaar.com. Jeannette, thank you for this inspirational comment!!!!
Jeanette good for you!! That’s amazing!!
@Jeannette Rowden , you’re an inspiration! Thank you!!
Jeannette YOU GO GIRL ! Great job ! I want to try this !
Jeannette Rowden you are my hero!! I am a single senior and want to do as much as I can without hiring someone (too expensive). I'm going to try your method of slipping the bag of Quickrete into my wheelbarrow. Now all I need is an Iron Man body suit to do the rest!! 😅😅 I'll take my time as I have a very bad back. It's always great to hear from someone who took on this type of project at our age! Thank you for your comment!!
Brilliant, I'm 56 with sore knees. You just saved me a lot of time. Thank you.
This is one of the best demonstration videos that I have ever watched, on anything! Outstanding video, sound, camera angles, and content. Well done!
I really, really appreciate that. Thank you for the kind words. I’m a middle school teacher so maybe that’s the reason for the qualities of the video. Have a great day!
Awesome video! I've spent days trying to figure out how I want to tackle my entire homes old landscaping replacement and now I found it - thanks again
Awesome!! You won't regret making this border. Thanks for the comment, TheRussdog64!!!
Me again... this update is GREAT! I especially love that you recommend protection while working with quickcrete, too... folks who haven't worked with it before aren't likely to know they really do need protection when handling it.
This update has so many useful nuggets... better pricing for metal spikes... how many linear feet per bag of quickcrete... slope away from the house for drainage... well done, sir!!!
Liked and shared!!! A lot of folks I know are doing DIY landscaping right now.
I tried! Thanks, Suzbone!
Ya it’s the right time of year while it’s cool out and the ground is better to work in for planting now because of the rains. Later in summer planting can get pretty difficult. Some places I work get hard as a rock later in summer.
As I watched this I thought “you must be kidding?” This is one of, if not the best DIY project videos I’ve ever seen. I can’t to redo the border block stones I tried to lay down in my back yard. I could have used this two years ago. With sincere thanks.
Thank you for the thoughtful comment and I'm really glad you found this video. I was working on a landscaping border a few years ago and dreamed up this idea and it solves so many problems that people have with borders. If you get a chance to create the border, please send me some pix so I can post them on my website ok? I have to say that I really like your username. :)
I'm planning on making a fire pit with those stones next week and you just gave me a great idea with using the cement mix. This is brilliant!
Hey, Vinh, you are brilliant for figuring out how to adapt this technique!! Please let me know when you finish and send me some pix!! Awesome!!
I love how simple this is and how you got straight to the point an broke it down step by step!! No long drawn out talking just straight to business awesome video and work 👍👏🏽
Thanks so much for that compliment!! As a former teacher of 32 years, maybe I’m using my presentation skills👍 like in my classroom.
I've been looking for border ideas, and this is it! I can't wait to do this project. Thank you for this video.
My pleasure! Let me know how it turns out!!
Excellent execution and video. I'm in the middle of my project and have all the materials in my garage. I've done this before but I looked up some videos to see if anything changed, improved, etc. Your video is the best. It's getting hotter now so I'm just managing a little at a time. Thank you!
Thank you for the compliments, zirilli3. I really appreciate those kind words. I came up with this idea myself a few years ago, so if you see any other videos on this technique, they have just copied off my original video or this video that I updated in 2020. It's good to hear about your progress. Please send me pix to tim@timvogelaar.com if you get a chance. I'd love to see your handiwork!!
If you ever sell your house won't the next owners be surprised when they go to move a brick?😊
It does look amazing though!
Becky Rey You buy it you can break it or keep it!
As the next owner in this concrete situation, I've cursed the previous owner many times. 😡
Big no on using concrete!
This is my concern too--or, if you as the owner want to change/update/add to landscaping area and are stuck with the headache of removing concrete! Would sand be an alternative here??
@@sarahwamsley6111 He did it to also help prevent weeds and sand wont prevent weeds
I thought this was going be cheesy until i saw the concrete go down. Looks good and im going to try it.
You won't be sorry. Thanks for the comment!
You should flip the plastic edging on the outside of the concrete and remove and reuse for the next edging. The concrete is way stronger and no need of the plastic edge once it’s set in place.
Great idea!! Some viewers have actually done that....and loved it....thanks, abhijit!!!!
Thanks much. It looks easy doable. I hope this is easy as it appears. Liked this video.
This border solves many problems with other types of borders and works exactly as shown!! Thanks for the comment, Mohammad, and have a great day!!
I am 73 woman from Australia. I like and thank you very much for the simple, practical and easy operation of your video, which gives me confidence and motivation to make flower bed borders. I would like to ask you if concrete can be directly laid on the soil? How many centimeters is the thickness of the concrete bed? How many meters does 20kg of concrete cover? Thank you very much!
Yes, you can pour the concrete mix out on grass or bare dirt...whatever is fine. the concrete ends up beig about 2 inches thinck since that is about how tall the plastic edge is that you use for levelling. One bag of concrete works for about 5 linear feet of border. Make usre and buy "FAST-SETTING"....no other kind works the same.
Great idea, but I don’t think it will work in Canada ... winters are too cold ... too much freezing, thawing and frost 🇨🇦
This is an excellent question and one that I would be interested in knowing too if I lived up there. Here is what I know. On my older video of this technique, I had people from several years ago, testify as to how happy they were with this border after multiple winters and these people lived in New England, Chicago, and Canada. That being said, I don't have personal experience building them up there and I do understand your concern.
maxpatch67 I’m wondering if this will crack in New England winters?
This video has inspired me! I have 2 questions I’m hoping you might answer. 1. Could I use this same technique if I used organically mismatched shaped stones approx 10” wide x 7” high rather than pavers? 2. How hard would it be to dig it all up a few years from now if I ever decide to change the border? Thanks for any guidance you can offer… it’s videos like yours that inspire me to tackle these jobs on my own and actually enjoy the process😊
I really appreciate your kind words.❤️👍 1. Yes. No problem. 2. You’d have to sledgehammer it apart to bust it up, so I wouldn’t making this border unless you are sure of what you want for many years. Have a great day, @tyler9. Thank you again for your kind words.
I did this and it came out amazing! Definitely will use this technique throughout my garden
Luminary79, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave this comment. I bet it looks amazing. I would love it if you could send me your finished photos to tim@timvogelaar.com so I can share them with others on my website. Congratulations!!!!
I understand how the border is supposed to be used but seeing the black trim just drives me crazy, I think I might place the trim backwards and push the bricks up against the lip instead so the trim isn't scene but allows to keep the perfect form and shape of the edge
Thank you for your comment. If you don't want the black plastic edge to show, what you will do is attach the edging to the ground in reverse so you are driving the spikes into the ground on the outside of the border making it removable. Also, you don't need to buy the strong metal ones and you can just use the wimpy plastic ones that come in a bag with the edging. You might want to buy an extra bag of plastic ones. What I have done is cut the plastic spikes in half(I use hand garden clippers) so its easy to pound them in and pull them out also. Just wait a day or so until the cement has cured before pulling out the spikes and border. It needs to be mild air, like in the 50's for the cement to cure so right now might not be the right time to make this border. If you make it in summer, the cement cures within a couple hours so the curing goes real fast. Let me know if you need any more help. Thank you for your comment and question!! Have a good day, @ryanlocklear14.
Good video and well explained. Thank you!
My pleasure. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment!
Thank you very much for sharing this, I was looking for a simple diy idea for my funny yard. This is it, thanks!
My pleasure, Ken!!
Cool video!!! I will look to do something like this in the front of our house. But I want to put solar lights...I have to figure out how I want it.
Awesome. Thanks for the comment, Mrs. RockKitty!!
It may be no-dig, but it’s also no-level. The blocks are leaning forward, not a good look from the curbside.
You might not like the way it looks and that's fine, but the angle of the blocks is on purpose because I like it better that way. If you wanted, you could easily taper the cement off to the back side totally horizontal. Thanks for your opinion.
Thank you so much for the ideas and steps. I feel confident I can do it myself.
You really can!! Thanks for the comment!!
I am going to do this but I am going to bury the stones so they are ground level so that I ride the mower over the stones so that no weed eating along the stones will be needed. I just want to drive the mower and be done!
That sounds really good. If you end up doing this please let me know your steps because I have thought about this, but never tried it.
Tried to talk my husband into doing that. We bought a house. My first house purchase in my life! He would not do it. Now he's gone and I can do it how I like.
hahaha...how about that!! Please send me pix when you get it finished ok? I'd love to see it! Have a great day, Donna!
You can do this minus the concrete simply put down your edging make sure your ground is tamped and hard then lay your blocks. There is no need for the concrete
You can do it without it, but here is why it's best to use cement. The cement provides four major functions in this border technique 1. Height(for looks) 2. Keeps the stones straight/aligned over time 3. Stability/strength 4. Weed barrier(the extra width is nearly impenetrable to aggressive weeds and grasses(Bermuda Grass) that we have here in Nashville.
Great video but that was either new construction or you dug up the bed area before filming. But like I said great video very informative
Great observation. Ya, I know you are referring to the bare dirt the plastic edge was nailed down to. I had just used a rake and changed the grade of about 1/4 of the area right before I built the border so thats why there was bare dirt there iinstead of grass. After this edge, I built another one around the tree in the same front yard right on top of the grass like the border is designed to do: ua-cam.com/video/2GsaE9scVAQ/v-deo.html Thanks for the comment, Jason, and have a great day!
Great video. Many thanks from London England
My pleasure, Rob!! Hello from Nashville!!
Below is a post mentioning laying down fabric. Yet; in video nothing is mentioned about laying down fabric, etc. Does this need to be done? Making sure I don't miss a step 😉
Ditto. Wish we could share pictures of our results
Here is my highly recommended technique for mulching, using cardboard as a weed barrier- after making the border-not before. ua-cam.com/video/HIWDPlaB6wY/v-deo.html It really works. I would NOT recommend using fabric at all. If you would like to send me finished pix, I would love for you to send them to tim@timvogelaar.com. If you'd like to view some finished borders made by my viewers, you can see them here: www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border. I hope this helps. Have a great day, Misty Christman Silva!!
I have my own update. First, I may have neglected to adequately thank maxpatch for this video in my last post. After getting some ridiculous bids, the video inspired me to do it myself (with some help from a adult son). We had to figure a few things out...I spent too long worrying about the unevenness of the ground, I honestly fretted about it and then just figured out that the border will provide a constant level for the stones. I had to add here and there and remove here and there (I did not want a thin "footer" and a too thick one would waste concrete. That resolved, the next minor issue was small irregularities in the border when stretched, leaving small indentations or the inverse. I've decided they probably won't matter. This is a 130 ft stretch so finding enough 8 inch galvanized spikes required many trips to the big box store. Question: Do you need one in every hole? Anyway, so grateful for this and thanks for putting up with my questions. Sunday we set the stones!
I'm happy to help you out, @Rockyboy5151.....I end up having the spikes an average of 1-2 feet apart on average. Sometimes more or less depending on what I need to get the curves right and make it sturdy so it doesn't bend out weird when putting the concrete mix in. You have a big project!! I'd love to see it when you're finished. btw-you can 'get by' with 6" spikes if you need to, but I guess you are past that step already.....
This will heave, crack and become un-level in one season in any colder climate.
Then you’ll need a giant dumpster to rip it out. As well as blowing out your back and a whole months worth of weekends.
Not true, Bob. I undertstand that what you are saying is traditonal thinking, but its just not true. Please read comments for testimonies from several people that have built these in the Northern U.S. and southern Canada. I know it may be hard to believe these are perfectly durable, but its true. They really last through harsh winters.
@@maxpatch67 You may be right - by using Flexible plastic paver restraints like the ones you get at Lowes or Home Depot one could use fast setting mortar and their own choice of border material. It’s just like setting the edge of any paver walkway - just no walkway.
Yes no dig that what I wanted. Thanks.
My pleasure, Sam! Have a great day!!
I’d much rather have the pavers flush level with the lawn so I won’t need to edge every time I mow.
Ya, that's a good point and a valid consideration. This border would make your place look bad without trimming. You'll need to use another style of border. Have a great day!!
Bro, edging is the best
If I wanted to go 2nor 3 blocks high can I use that same cement as a mortar for the blocks? Or do you recommend using construction adhesive I’ve been seeing this lately
Yes, landscaping block adhesive is what you would use. Honestly, I don't think this border would look good built up with 2 or 3 layers high because you aren't using a levelling process so this really throws off the border as it gets higher. If you want a little wall, you should use a different and more traditional wall building technique. I hope this helps.
Is there a video on how to stack them to get a higher border?
You might add one more layer with this technique and be ok using either landscaping adhesive or traditional mortar. I have never done it, but it should work. If you want to go multiple layers high, use a different technique that uses a traditional levelling method so its much stonger, stable and looks good with the added height. I hope this helps.
Will try this soon
Awesome!! You won't be disappointed. If you get a chance to send me some finished pix of your border, my email address is tim@timvogelaar.com. I'd like to post them on my website: www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border. Have a great day!!
I need to build a3-4 wall to hold gravel back.
Ya, you'd better use more of a traditional wall building technique. Don't use this border technique for a little wall. It will not work for that purpose. Have a good day, Michael!
I want to do this boarder along the side of my concrete patio, can I do more than one layer of bricks? Possibly 2 or 3 bricks high, like a small wall using the concrete mix between bricks?
Yes, you can, but I don't recommend this technique for small walls. Its likely you won't be happy with it long term. For a small wall, I'd highly recommend a more traditional technique. If you decide to use this technique, I'd suggest some modifications that I'll describe here. Since you are making the border along the flat and level patio, I'd dig a little trench along the edge that is deep enough hold the depth of the landscaping block plus a couple inches of the concrete mix. If you want to make the first block a little higher than the patio level, then dig a shallower trench. Either way, you'd want to cut a piece of cardboard about 12"-14" long and about 8" high. Then you'll want to cut a rectangle shape out of the bottom on one end that corresponds to the space you want the block to be under the level under the patio level. So lets say you have a 4" tall block. If you want the block edge to be level with the patio, then you'd cut it to a 4" depth. Or if you want the block edge to be 3" taller than the patio, then you'd cut the cardboard to a 1" depth. Any way you make it, you will be able to use that cardboard to drag along the patio and the part hanging down lower will be parallel with the patio level and smooth out the dry cement mix nice and level with the patio and give you a very nice professional look. This step is similar to the the step in the video where the cardboard is used along the plastic edge, but you would be doing it different here. When placing the blocks in place, you could also pivot the blocks back and forth and create a solid edge. Then, you just dump a litle extra cement with a cup along the outside edge to keep the blocks more firmly in place over time. Then, you mist it all and it will bond together as shown in the video. If you really wanted, you could use landscaping adhesive to add another layer taller. It will be level since you are using the patio surface as your leveller, so it should look good if you add a second layer. On the normal border technique, the border height changes along with the ground height which looks good at one layer high, but I don't like the way it looks for short walls at all. To finish this variation in technique, you'd just fill in dirt back along the blocks and put grass back in that you had dug out earlier. If you water it, the grass shold come back strong along the edge. I hope this helps. Let me know if you don't get something about my advice. Have a good day, @lcunning74.
@@maxpatch67 Thank you for so much for this detailed explanation! I will be trying it soon and let you know how it comes out. 😁
Remember it needs to be in the 50's at least for temps so you might need to wait. Have a good day!
This was great thank you so much
You're so welcome, The Knights!! Have a great day!!
This should work around a 24' above ground pool don't you think. Also where is the link to the blocks you used. Thanks.
Yes, this border can be adapted to many situations. Here is the link to the blocks at Lowes and Home Depot. I think each place has a more tannish one and a more whitish/grayish one. Here you go: Grayish: www.lowes.com/pd/Flagstone-Ashland-Retaining-Wall-Block-Common-4-in-x-11-in-Actual-4-in-x-11-2-in/4686351?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-lwn-_-bng-_-LIA_LWN_236_Hardscapes-_-4686351-_-Local-_-0-_-0&msclkid=e2352b3a464113b87b3f4fbe44fe6528&gclid=e2352b3a464113b87b3f4fbe44fe6528&gclsrc=3p.ds More white/gray www.lowes.com/pd/Flagstone-Allegheny-Retaining-Wall-Block-Common-4-in-x-11-in-Actual-4-in-x-11-2-in/4686343 Orangish: www.homedepot.com/p/Oldcastle-Mini-Beltis-3-in-H-x-8-in-W-x-4-in-D-Harvest-Blend-Concrete-Retaining-Wall-Block-16252111/307676509 I can't find the more white/grayish ones at Home Depot.
Thank you for this. Great instructions, New stubbie.
Would there be any reason why you could not have this process with a second course of stone? Well done video. Thanks for this.
Craig, I have not made a second layer on this type of border because I don't know if it would look that good and the difficulty level is raised some because you would mix up and use a traditional mortar between the layers. Even, though, it involves more work, I would highly recommend digging out the old dirt and mulch out of your area so the level is dropped enough so that there is plenty of room for the mulch to sit in there without spilling over. Also, the same thing can be accomplished by building your border out further so the dirt can slope down to the level of the bottom of the blocks and also have room for mulch. I hope this helps. Have a great day!!
Nice video! Thanks for sharing. God bless!
Why is the width of concrete so wide? Is this part of the engineering to maintain the structure? Can is be narrower?
I would also like to know this!
The width of the concrete is about one foot deep to create a substantial grass and weed barrier. Here in Nashville, we have Bermuda Grass that is very aggressive and it sends out shoots both above and below the ground and this extra width goes a long way in controlling it. So, yes, if you don't think you need that, then you could make yours however narrow you want. Great question, Don, and thanks for asking!
very important question. wouldnt this be very hard to remove. since youre using concrete as a paving mix
Yes, this border is considered permanent, so only make it if you are very sure of what you want for many years. Thanks for the comment. Nicolas.
Great video … Thank you for sharing 👍🏻
My pleasure, Basement Artie!!
I am very new to the outdoor DIY game so please forgive me if this is a stupid/impractical question. Could this technique be used to make a (permanent) patio of pavers? I hate the idea of spending a million hours (or dollars) to dig, level dirt, add sand, level sand, add fabric, add and level gravel, lay pavers, more sand...etc. Could I get the ground close to level, add the fast-setting concrete and make sure it is level, lay the pavers, and then add water? Maybe there would not be enough space between pavers for that to work. Yes, I also realize this would be hard to remove later (assuming it works).
Troy, I'm struggling to know how to respond to this, because there are so many variables like ground settling, size, location, opinions on this and that......so I really don't know. It sounds like it might work, but I don't want to encourage you to try it and have it not work out. I think if it were me, I would use a taller border edge and using a wheelbarrow, dump tamping gravel into the area, use a tamper to flatten out your base and set your bricks/pavers on that. Maybe push some sand across it with a broom when finished to fill in the gaps. Using that method, the main thing you won't like when finished is the unevenness, so take the time to tamp it completely flat before laying your bricks/pavers down. Anyway, that's my idea for your diy patio dilemna...otherwise, I think I'd go with the traditional steps you find in other videos.
Max can I put landscaping fabric before I sprinkle the concrete? I don't want weeds within my plant flower beds.
Yes, you can, Leticia, however, I don't recommend using landscaping fabric for any landscaping area because in my experience, weeds grow right through and on top of the best of fabrics so I don't use them any more. Here is a technique I do recommend, though: studio.ua-cam.com/users/videoHIWDPlaB6wY/edit. I hope this helps. Have a great day, Leticia!!
Do you think this would look good on a slight slope? Like...would my border look weird if it wasn't a straight line?
This border looks VERY GOOD on a slope. It's one of the best features!
Very nice thank you 😃
My pleasure!!:)
I really love this, is there any extra steps and I would have to do if I choose to double the bricks.0
Just use landscaping block adhesive between your layers. I'd love to see your finished pix.....if you want to email them to me, it's tim@timvogelaar.com Have a great day!!
I'm curious why you made the concrete base so much wider than the flagstones. Is there a reason, because it seems unnecessary.
Yes, it might seem unnecessary, but I do this for additional weed control for aggressive weeds and grasses that we have here in Nashvillle like Bermuda Grass that sends runners under the ground. This one foot width goes quite a ways in helping out with weeding in this way.
Great video!! Could you do do this to line a gravel driveway? And besides mulch, what could you put down to cover the left over concrete? Would regular dirt and grass seed also work?
Yes, this technique is super flexible and adaptable. Just don't build it expecting to drive on it.
Could I do the same, except leave out the black plastic border?
I believe the plastic border helps give the concrete something to adhere to other than just the ground
No that doesn’t work with this technique. The plastic edge provides height, acts as a for the cement, and creates the curve shape.
Can I use paver sand instead of concrete for this? I'm close to the impervious surface limit of my HOA and I don't want to push it.
No, it would be better to choose some other border than this one if you don't want to use the concrete. The cement is at the center of its features of long-lasting stabilty, and as an amazing weed barrier that is impenatrable. Let me know if I can help you any more, spade749. Have a great day!!
Great video! If I place the border over grass, would I need to lay down a barrier for weed control, or could I just put down the Quikrete over the grass?
Bradia, the concrete should go right on top of the grass. It will kill it. If you want to spray the grass inside the borer area with grass/weed killer you can or use this organic option that I use: ua-cam.com/video/HIWDPlaB6wY/v-deo.html
@@maxpatch67 Awesome! Thank you very much!
@@Caramel2C my pleasure
I live in canada and winter are very cold. Will the concrete last for years in this environnement?
Dominique, this is an excellent question and one that I would be interested in knowing too if I lived up there. Here is what I know. On my older video of this technique, I had people from several years ago, testify as to how happy they were with this border after multiple winters and these people lived in New England, Chicago, and Canada. That being said, I don't have personal experience building them up there and I do understand your concern.
How do you allow for drainage? I wanted to use the black plastic instead of the fabric because I do not want plants where I am doing the work
Usually, I run a black corrugated pipe out, under the ground to a box in the yard where the water can spill out from. If I'm running it out very far, use white pvc pipe through the ground instead so the flow rate is improved. If you have any more questions, I can give you more detail on that. I hope this helps. Have a great day, Anthony.
I want to lay edgers against a straight brick walkway, do I need the Vigoro? How many bags of quikrete do I need for 22 feet?
The concrete works for apporoximately 5 linear feet so if you get 4 or 5 bags that should be enough, but maybe get 6 just in case...its no fun to be short...just return the extra. You might not need the Vigoro edging in your situation. It is used as a form to level off the cement mix and keep the shape nice, so evaluate what you have going on and see what you think. I hope this helps, Adam.
Someone in my community blog said that we shouldn't use mulch, because it's bad for your house, it causes bug's and snakes. Is that true?
No.....just paranoia
I understand why you used concrete. But what if we ever want to change the yard layout later? Would itg be easy remove concrete?
No, it wouldn't be that easy to remove the concrete. You'd need to sledge hammer it up. If you are not sure of what you want for a long time, then don't build this one...it would be better for you to just dig a trench edge with a shovel and use that while you think about it over time.
Will the concrete make this hard to dismantle? I like to change things every year or two. Can this be done without the concrete?
You'll probably want to use another method since you want to move your border around pretty often. This method is really dependant on this exact concrete product being used and any substitutes takes away it's main attributes. Please let me know if I can help you any more, Jai.
@@maxpatch67 Than k you
Would of definitely looked better with blue or green slate instead of bark, easy way of edging through
Question, does this allow for drainage if the bed is on a downward slope? If not, is there a good way to include weep holes? Maybe Skip the concrete mix in between the pavers every few stones?
Mark, you are on to some good ideas and I have not thought about this idea before. If you figure something out, please let me know, ok? Have a good day!
My wife and I did this today. Your video was so helpful. Our border came looking better than we had hoped. Adding the curves was a great tip. The best thing about this is how quick it was. We finished a 20 foot border in a little over an hour.
Jose, I'm really glad to hear this! I'm so excited for you!! I have website where I'm posting pix of viewers finished borders and wondered if you mind sending me some pix! The website is: www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border. If you want to send me pix, you can send them to tim@timvogelaar.com. Thank you for taking the time to send me this comment, Jose!
What if I want it 1 more layer of the brick to make it higher? Do I need the cement?
You could either uses landscaping block cement or traditional mortar. I don't ever make these two layers, high, but if I did, those would be the choices. Have a great day!!
Just finished this ! I’m so grateful for this video. I completed it all by little old self. I wish I could share a picture here. I even split a rock for a perfect end on a piece that was short coming up to the end. I felt so empowered from this little project. Next step will be trying a fire pit spot. My husband is worried he will come home one day to a full on moat surrounding the house 🤣. Thank you for this!
Me and my husband just don’t know anything about gardening, I mean we are really awful doing anything related to that. But I saw this video and thought to myself “It looks like something we can do!”. And we just finally finished our landscaping (in two days) and it looks GREAT! I'm so thankful for this video! And thank you for sharing this to us!
Wow, Fabiana, I am so excited to hear this! Thank you for taking the time to leave this comment. You'll love it for many years.
I have two questions I'd like to hear your thoughts on.
1.) Do you find that the black plastic no-dig edging gets in the way when mowing? Does it get "chewed up"? Or can you mow right over it?
2.) How does the quick-krete affect the permanency? What if you want to change the border or remove it?
Thank you!
1) No not at all I mow and weed wack right up against it. You don't mow over it because the blocks are right on top of it.
2) It's more or less meant to be permanent but if you want to remove, you can just whack the bricks with a sledgehammer and they will come loose easily. But the concrete will most likely be stuck to the bottom of the brick so not easily reusable. If you want to salvage the bricks you can put a piece of wood up against the brick before wacking it with the sledgehammer. But still will be a pita getting the concrete off the bottom.
Tomorrow my wife and i are layin our border down, this video just made me rethink my life.
About to redo mine. I feel your pain🤣🤣🤣
Alright!! Well, did it turn out as planned, Tyrell?
@@maxpatch67 it turned out great! while we didn’t use the method in the video for our front bed (my back hates me) im DEFINITELY using it when we border our tree. Nonetheless I’m super proud i actually did it instead of paying someone to.
@@waldog38 😫oh bro the soreness! If i had come across this video just two days prior to us starting i would have, but to change our whole approach the night before we wanted to start would have just thrown us off.
Really 😂
Viewed your video several times, to get up my courage! Bought my supplies, recruited one helper, and in two days was able to transform my yard. My neighbors can't believe it! Just followed your steps. I did use cardboard instead of fabric for weed control -- we'll see how that works! I'd post some pics if I had permissions....big thanks for your video!!!! UA-cam is making us all experts!
Whoa...way to go, Kd theVP!!!! I'm so glad you shared your story. I'm gathering some pix from people that have made this border to share with others soon and if you'd like to share your pix with me, you could send them to tim@timvogelaar.com. That's my email associated with my photography website timvogelaar.com. I can't wait to see what you have made and thank you for the comment!
@@maxpatch67 Just sent my before and after pics!
@@kdsmclife7080 Whoa!!! Incredible!!! That beautiful curve you have going across the front! Nice work! No wonder the neighbors are noticing...it really looks perfect.
Kd theVP I want to see
@@demetria7639 Max has them, so can post at his discretion...
I can say that 5 years later its still 95% good! I had a few dip spots but it was from moving soil. I would highly recommend this route.
No way!!! Actually that's about what I expect. :) I'm so glad to hear that and I really appreciate the update....very encouraging for myself and to others reading these comments. Have a great day, @eastsideozzy!!!
@@maxpatch67 I'm considering using this method but as the above poster mentioned about moving soil, I worry how well it will hold up over time. North Texas here, my ground shifts a lot due to our clay soil. Not sure if using paver base and sand would be any better.
@@Archaides
Same concern here as I live where it snows and temp can drop below 0 Fahrenheit.
Thank you so much!! This method is a single women’s dream😍👍👏👏👏
haha...alright, Birdie!!! Nice pic!
Dream solution for a woman married to a non-gardening/non-handyman spouse. Getting materials tomorrow for our gardens that are desperately in need of a makeover
And man..
@@mrsllp1439 so you're married to a woman? lmao
Totally!!
This is perhaps the best border instruction video I have seen. It took away my inexperienced fears by providing a simple step by step process that was very logical and not intimidating. Thanks! Where I live all the professionals are over worked and unavailable for small jobs like mine. My neighbors will thank you!!
Ricke Guitar, I'm also a middle school art teacher so maybe that expains the thoughtful instructions. I'm so excited for you. You won't regret creating your super nice border. If you'd like to send me pix to my email tim@timvogelaar.com then I could post them here: www.timvogelaar.com/Diy-no-dig-border-folder-of-galleries for others to see. Feel free to browse other viewers' work there. People have really improved their properties as you can see in the photos. Have a great day!
I’m going to get up very early and do this project. This will totally have my neighbors thinking I had a professional come in and do it.😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
Noice! Did get your materials home yet? Exciting!!!
Excellent. Also watched the original. I'm moving and taking a lot of perennials with me. New place needs borders, and this 71 year old grandma is going to DIY, thanks to you!
Awesome!! If your area is going to be pretty big, you may want to have the materials delivered from you local store. They can deliver everything together, making it easier for you to get to building without having to lug the supplies home from the store yourself. Have a great day!!
Like this one. Knows what he is doing. Told everything in a short time.
Just did this this weekend. If you’re not sure, it is CHEAP and EASY! I can’t believe how good it looks. I have never done any type of landscaping and seriously thought this might end in us having to call in professionals but it looks SO GOOD! I was doing it myself around some trees in our front yard yesterday and our neighbors kept stopping to tell us how good it looked. We now have one of the best looking front yards in the neighborhood. If you’re on the fence, do this. It will turn out great if you follow the directions.
H L, thank you for taking the time to leave this comment. I really appreciate the high recommendation. I'm so happy you love your new landscaping border. I know you will be proud of it for many, many years. If you are interested, I'd love it at some point if you would send me some pix to use on my website. You could send them to tim@timvogelaar.com. Here is where I would post yours: www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border. Thanks again!! I am very happy for you!!! :)
Omg, this gives me hope! Thank you! We have clay soil that’s always hard.
You've got it made with this border then, Karen!! Have a great day!!
Thank you! I’m going to try this soon. My husband and I are the least handy people. We know NOTHING about landscaping or anything house/ yard related. We are learning! Thank you for an easy to follow video!
My pleasure. I promise this technique works and you won't regret trying it if you want a permanent, nice looking border.
Buying the supplies today to get started on this project! I’m excited and nervous at the same time
I understand! I'm excited for you!! Please let me know how it turns out!!
My wife and I just completed edging our large landscaping bed in the front yard of our house .....so easy and only took us 3 hours....looks great! Thanks a million!
Mackey, I'm so excited for you!! I know it must be a huge upgrade for you and you feel so accomplished when you see what you have done. Congratulations!! If you'd like so share your images, I'd love to post them on my webpage here: www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border. You can mail them to tim@timvogelaar.com if you'd like. Have a great day and thanks for your comment, Mackey!!!
Wow, this is the best diy video for bed borders. Even I can do this without getting overwhelmed 😅 Thanks for this great idea!!!
Honestly, it is really the very best method I've ever seen over all and I was just lucky enough to come up with the idea a few years ago. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment!!
I watched your video and did this along my backyard fence last year. Even though the ground isn't level, it turned out wonderfully. I've received a ton of compliments. I have already set the edging in place to do the same thing around the beds at the front of the house as well as three tree rings. Thank you so much for your videos and the inspiration.
Thank you for this encouraging comment. I really appreciate you taking the time to send this to me. I hope you will send me some pix to use on the website when you do your front borders...I can't wait to see them!! www.timvogelaar.com/Easy-diy-no-dig-border
I am getting ready to lay new edging on my front yard. Is this method...using the concrete, a permanent job? What if I (or a new home owner) wanted to change the edging at a later date? Just curious how "permanent" this particular method is? Can the concrete be broken up easily if changes need to be made later? Thank much!
Well, the yard is not dug up so it wouldn’t take any digging to get it out, but you’d have to break it up with a sledge hammer. You’d want to choose another method if you’re not sure of the long term. Thanks for the question, Derek.
I just saw your older video last week. I just completed my border this week! Thanks for the update video. Right on time.
Wow!!! Way to go!!! If have have a chance, please send me a finished border photo at tim@timvogelaar.com. I'm going to make a gallery of borders for people to browse through for fun. Thanks.
What tag are the borders posted on?
Won’t that concrete just cause big problems if you want to remove?
Yes. Don’t build this unless you are sure of what you want for many years.
It’s people like you that make the most of us no-good-for-nothing look pro 😁 I can’t wait to start this project using your steps and make our lawn beautiful. Thanks again. Like others have already commented, you are simply the best 🙏 thanks again
Hey, thank you so much. I really appreciate that. It means a lot to me!! If you get a chance when you are finished, I'd love it if you sent me some finished pix to put on my website to share with others as noted in the video description. Thanks again!!
maxpatch67 of course I will. Thanks and have a nice day!
Wood like to know why you haven’t upload, hope everything is well🙏
Just turn the bricks around to get rid of the gaps. That’s why the sides are angled like that.
Yes! Alternating the block faces would close the gaps. Maybe this would look good along a straight border?
I recommend staying with the front facing arrangement, however. Many eye-pleasing landscapes use large, curving borders. The extra gap on the inside allows the border to turn without losing its "uniform" appearance.
@@maxpatch67 you can still easily make a curve without having gaps and I would recommend just throwing down a little paver base and tamp it rather than use concrete
Jeannette: so glad you are active. I am 77 and do the same maneuver with all my large bags. No matter our age there is always a way!
Do you have a video on the DIY of the actual flower bed? I have a similiar style and "before" condition and would love to see the steps that went into making that flower bed look so nice
I don't have any videos on landscape design. As an artist, I think there is quite a bit that goes into it. I consider it to be "making art with plants". In this case, I used a mix of existing plants being trimmed way back, moving some plants, and adding a little new to make a pleasing look. Thanks for your question, alymar177!
maxpatch67 to add to the question. I cut all of the plants and bushes down that I did have in the flower bed already . But the roots are still there. Did you dig your roots up or just added new plants along with the roots?
@@Jas-qm4cg h
Thank you for redoing this tutorial! I just bought the supplies for the project this week based on the older video. So nice to have clearer visuals!
I’m glad to hear that, Connie. This border has been perfected with step #5 that I added. Also, I tried to include details for the most common questions asked in my comments.
If have have a chance, please send me a finished border photo at tim@timvogelaar.com. I'm going to make a gallery of borders for people to browse through for fun. Thanks.
@@maxpatch67 I'll send you some pictures asap :)
Thanks for sharing such a great video!! Quick question. When you want to take this up, how hard is it to remove the concrete?
This border is considered to be permanent. You would need to use a sledgehammer to bust it up for removal. Ony build this border if you are very sure of what you want for many years. I hope this helps. :)
This is exactly what I have been looking for. I am landscaping an area with a lot of tree roots and so I can’t dig down to set them in the ground. I have spent hours watching videos on UA-cam and finally found my answer with your method. Thank you!
My pleasure, Cindy, thank you for the comment. I love reading this!!
Hi Cindy, I am using this great method myself.
I ran into a horrible patch of root thatch like you. about 30 feet of it.
I bought a new wood saw blade for my reciprocating saw.
it worked great.... it laid out precisely how wide I wanted and how deep I wanted the base for the concrete.
I just did this on the siding of my house praying it works, yours looks amazing
Thank you, Michitelia! How did your border turn out?
How did it turnout
How did it turn out, don't leave us in suspense!
I appreciate you so much. this is gonna save me tons of money and omg the end results look like it worths a lot of money.
It does cost about $5-$6 per foot, but I think it adds a lot of value to the property.
You know, if you alternate the bricks, front facing and then back facing, you won't have all those gaps to fill in!
Yes! Alternating the block faces would close the gaps. Maybe this would look good along a straight border?
I recommend staying with the front facing arrangement, however. Many eye-pleasing landscapes use large, curving borders. The extra gap on the inside allows the border to turn without losing its "uniform" appearance.
Can you then stack another level using the weight of the stone to hold it in place without extra cement or can use use a fine layer of the ready mix cement to make the next level? How do you do this with small incline will it look off?
you could do that if you want to make a straight line with the blocks, as that is what they are designed to do, but for curves the only way you can really remove the gaps is by cutting the block, or getting a 2" wall cap block
keebler6903 Cap blocks are what a true professional would do!
@@elizabethdinny7894 I think you would have to make sure (very sure) that the first level is level, the next layer could be added with some construction adhesive. I wouldn't do more than 2 layers high with this method. To go higher than that it is probably best to dig the first layer into the ground about half way.