The Brew Cabin

Hello,

We are deliberating in creating a semi permanent area in the garden (lawn) and lay concrete flags in an area of approx 4mx4m.
At the moment it is established lawn, however the area is to be used as a kennel with a run for a couple of dogs.
I dont want to make anything too permanent ie bedding it in with mortar, but would appreciate any suggestions. Ideally I would like to put some sand over the grass and lay the slabs, and secure the edges somehow.
Many thanks
Chris

You have to get rid of the grass, even if it's a temporary area of paving. If you were to go ahead and lay directly over the turf, the buried grass would degrade and decompose in a matter of weeks, leading to settlement of the paving.

Best to skim off the turf, take out 50mm or so of the topsoil and then lay the flags as described on the main site. If you wanted to protect the soil, you could lay a separation membrane over the exposed area before placing the beding material, but, if you use a good, clean, grit sand, the soil won't suffer if you miss out the membrane.

You can store any excavated topsoil, just in case you do decide to re-lay the grass, but as for the turf itself, that is best stacked and left to rot down to what gardeners know as a 'good tilth', that is, a fine, high-quality soil that is ideal for all garden tasks. You'll have to buy new turf, or to seed the area, if you choose to revert to lawn.

if you read tonys personal file you will realise he hasent much time for dogs, but judging by his answer to your question he was in a very helpful mood, but, i bet the thought of telling you it would be best to get rid of the dog and keep the grass went through his mind. whilst im in a joking mood and the subject of grass is here i will tell you a little story, and its true. i once (b4 i was divorced) had a beautiful garden and the very large grass had perfect stripes mowed into them, i spent ages every week perfecting it. my father in law sat down drinking tea asked how do you get the light and dark green in your grass, ooooo simple mate, just buy dark green and light green grass and lay them alternatly. Of course came the reply obvious when you think about it.....it has to be funny as i won a tenner in a magazine with it. :)

Bob's right about my lack of affection for dogs, but I was in sympathetic mode, as Mrs Taz has just lost the one soul she cared most about - even more than she allegedly cares for me!

Her cat, Jasper, which she's had since he was 8 weeks old, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and kidney failure on Wednesday last, and had to be put down. He was only just over 3 years old. If I'd started one of my usual rants about how the world would be a much better place without bloody dogs, I think I might have been pushing my luck with her, and could have found myself sleeping on the couch for a few nights!

I like the grass story, Bob. I kjnow one or two people that I can fool with that one over the next few weeks. :)

my g friend bought me a pedigree cocker spaniel in october for my birthday, she paid 500 squid for it, i had to take it to the vets last week for its final innoculation, the vet held it in her arms and looked at me in a strange way and informed me she was going to have to put the little blighter down,WHYYYYYYYYYYYY was my cry i love him, is he ill???? no came her reply he just heavy and my arm is aching. :)