You probably compacted the surrounding clay / soil into the pours of the pavestones s. If a broom and water won't penetrate the pours to remove the grime then we use a light muriatic acid wash. If done correctly and at the right percentage it does not change the color of the pavestones and if run off is highly diluted and controlled you will not lose any plant There are also a variety of stone cleaners out there that are effective yet expensive in comparison to the acid. Prosoco makes a very effective line of masonry cleaners, degreasers and sealers. I particularly am very pleased with their STMP sealer which in our test slabs has kept red wine, hamburger and straight poured on olive oil from staining our hand cut and flamed bluestone countertops for an outdoor kitchen counter top. Pricey stuff, at $ 100 for a gallon, but the most effective product we have found to date.

I find it's hardy here. In general, zone ratings should be looked at with skepticism, until proven correct!

WANTED: I need about 130 square feet of bricks (roughly 585, by my calculation) or pavers or flagstone or whatever (even concrete) to replace a small patio. I could also use many bags of sand to set them in. If you have extra paving materials from a demolition or installation (enough to make renting a truck for pickup worth it) I would be glad to come get it from you. ALSO: I'd like to add the security and screening of a fence without blocking too much light to my plants. I would also like to be able to get through the fence to the alley way if necessary with a lockable gate in the fence if at all possible. The distance to cover is ~20 feet. Chain link or lattice would let the most light thru and let me grow vines on it. the neighbors' fences on either side are chain link and tall. If you have anything suitable that you are getting rid of I would be happy to come get it. HAVE: (14) new concrete blocks and (30) new bags of gravel .. I had just built a beautiful shed in my old backyard (now for sale :~( http://web.mac.com/ceanderson/iWeb/Shed/Shed%20for%20Sale.html ) and had purchased concrete blocks and bags of gravel for its foundation. I messed up in my construction timing, fortunately, and the gravel is still bagged (and located at my parents house on l.i. right now) and the concrete blocks were retrieved with the shed. Hopefully soon I'll have enough plants for trading those again!!

What do YOU want? That's all that really matters. The solid border makes a more definite division between paving and plants, the unbordered version blends in better. HOWEVER - I like having a visually distinct separator wherever there are steps so you and your guests don't miss the steps and faceplant. Don't camouflage steps!