Last week we installed the hardscape for a client in Ballard which included a stone patio and pea gravel chiminea area. We watched the weather reports and chose a couple days without rain, though the temperature was still in the 40’s. (Experiencing the weather during this great first week of February makes it seem like we should have waited, but we didn’t and it was fine!) The previous night it had gotten below freezing, so there was frost everywhere, including the sod we were supposed to take out. The guy who rented us the sod remover was skeptical that it would function properly, but it wasn’t a problem at all, because with just one night of freezing temperatures, only the first inch of grass was frosty.
Removing sod in winter, Seattle
Removing sod and Installing Hardscape in Winter, Seattle
Above you can see the areas that will become the stone patio and the pea gravel chiminea area. So far the crushed gravel has been laid and compacted, and the flagstones are beginning to be placed. The planting beds have also been sheet mulched, but planting will wait till Spring.
Placing Flagstones for Patio
Spreading Pea Gravel in Chiminea Area
The second day of this hardscape installation was not as sunny, but at least it didn’t rain the entire day. The picture below shows the finished stone patio (using the Pritchard flagstone from PavingStone Supply) being hosed off to make sure the pea gravel settles in between.
Finished Stone Patio, Seattle
Now we just have to wait till Spring to do the planting, its going to look more complete then, so check back for those pictures!
-Erin
