Question
I am considering installing a stone border around a flower bed that runs in front of, and the length of our house.  We have incorporated some fieldstone around the front entranceway of our house and feel this would be a good complement.  
I would probably want the heigth of the border to raise approximately 5 inches above ground level.  My questions are:
1.  Would you suggust digging a trench to create a foundation for the stone?
2.  If so, would you recommend putting a gravel base in to support the foundation?
3.  Is it necessary or advisable to put cement on the backside of the stone to solidify the border wall?
4.  Are there any replica/manmade stone which would work better than actual fieldstone for this project?

Any other advise regarding this project will be appreciated.  Thanks.
Bruce  

Answer
Hello Bruce -
1. Yes
2. Maybe, depending on install (see below)
3. No
4. Yes, if cost is a concern, over "exactly" matching the rest of the house's exterior.  

There is a neat product that you can look at on-line, made by Bradstone (bradstoneusa.com), IF it is available in your area.  They are in West VA, so maybe, if you are along the eastern seaboard.  Who knows - their brochure is in my library, so maybe they have a licensed plant here in the West, too.  Worth a call.

Regarding question 2, it depends on whether you are stacking the fieldstone, or intalling it "on edge", as to the need for mortar to hold them all together....Stacked, yes, on edge, no.

Sounds like a great idea to set off your planters, and a good use of materials to "tie it all together"  

-Marc