Question
QUESTION: Hi I have a round area with a wishing well in it in my backyard.  I am having problems with the border blocks shifting and leaning forward.  When we put it in we dug a trench to put the blocks in but not sure what I can do to help this problem  thanks so much karen

ANSWER: Hi Karen,

Your problem is very common among homeowners.

Without seeing a photo of the problem i cannot speak but from an accademic point of view, however, if you were to remove the bricks and re-prepare the area where you will lay them, then mix up a few bags of ready mix brick mortor mix (the number of bags depends on the size of the pond - one 80 pound bag makes about 1.5 cu. feet of mud), you can set our bricks into the ready mix and your problem will be solved. You can also mix the mortor (dry) in with a favorite mulch (preperably small aggregate like that of cypress which works the best) and then set the bricks into the dry mix of mulch and mortor, then hose it down. the mortor will go to base and the mulch will remain on surface adhered with mortor and your bricks will remain in tack and stationary. the mixture is 1 part mortor, 2 parts sank, 5 parts cypress mulch.

Please let me know if i can be of any more help or encouragement on this.

Blessings,

David

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: David thanks so much for the help.  When you are talking about 2 parts sank are you talking about something like sand to help set the mortor?  Thanks Karen

Answer
Hi Karen,

I am so happy that what I have offered in the way of advise was helpful.

hehehe... yes... 'sank' when translated from the Starbucks dialect of espresso Americana is the word 'sand'

You might consider using ready mix mortar which has the sand already mixed in it. This is sometimes an easier solution if you do not have a mixer or a large enough wheel barrel. If you choose to use this idea, you can simply lay out your materials on a piece of plastic large enough to hold what you estimate to be the amount you need. I suggest that you figure a 4 inch support on each side at ground level that is a minimum of 4 inches in depth. this will provide ample strength to hold your bricks in place. To figure out the total amount of mixture (mortared mulch) multiply the lineal feet by the width and depth of the mixture you will use, and divide by 1728 (a cubic foot). This will give you the approximate cubic feet of mixture you will need to mix.

You will find that after working with the mulch mortar mixture a bit, that you can use it for other uses like that of a permanent weed barrier around plants. You can put it down as a dry mix about 2 inches thick (leaving a space at the base of established plants for watering based on the type of plant and how you water). Once you have spread it, simply use your garden hose to sprinkle over the top until all the mortar has rinsed to the bottom of the mulch. I have used this in several different applications and it has been remarkable in its affect to prevent erosion, reduce weeding (and thus maintenance costs and time), and increase the longevity of the mulch that is eventually laid over the top of it to dress it up (the mortared mix keeps the new mulch from working into the soil).


Once you have your wishing well all finished make a wish for me in it. I would love to see a picture of it! My email is [email protected] if you feel comfortable with sending one.

Blessings!

David