Make a stacked paver pedestal for your garden

March 04, 2023

Need an inexpensive yet eye-catching pedestal to display a container or enhance a piece of garden art? Get some concrete pavers in two different sizes, and stack them in alternating layers to create a contemporary plinth.

I built it using 12-inch and 18-inch square pavers. I noticed the lizard crouching on the sun-warmed pavers, partially sheltered by the overhang. Lizard habitat And A display space? Win-win! My metal lizard has new friends.

Before stacking your pavers, take the time to create a sturdy, level base. Dig a hole about 8 inches, slightly wider than your largest paver. Spread a few inches of paver base or decomposed granite and use a tamper to pack it into a firm, level base. Stack some pavers and use a level that has no fat. If there is, remove the pavers and add more base material and re-tamp it. Make sure your pavers are dead level before stacking them to the desired height

Use concrete glue on each layer for extra stability, if desired. If you have small children or grandchildren who might be tempted to climb on it, keep it low and/or use one-size pavers for extra stability.

I’ve seen variations of stacked-paver pedestals in countless gardens over the years. Here is one made of round pavers in the garden of the late Eleanor Pratt of Austin. An article from Midwest Living shows a variation of this design using two different sizes of circular pavers. And somewhere I have a photo of a spiral plinth made of stacked square pavers, each set at a slight angle from the bottom.

Large planters can be made from stacked concrete blocks with pavers on top, like this orchid display table at Michael McDowell’s garden in Plano.

Here’s another one for a sculpture display at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center a few years ago.

The humble concrete pavers can do much more than just paths and patios. Get creative with them to gain some height in your garden and display a piece of art, a bird bath or a planter.

I welcome your comments. Scroll to the end of this post to leave a. If you’re reading an email, click here to go to Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post. And hey, did someone forward you this email and you want to subscribe? Click here to have Digging delivered straight to your inbox!

__________________________

dig deep

Plan to join Budding Plant Sale and Festival March 18 at John Fairy Gardens in Hempstead, TX. There will be rare and unique plants, as well as art, ceramics, jewelry, food, drink, music and other entertainment for the whole family. Members have early access and get free. Non-member admission is $5. Children under 12 are free.

Experience a surreal garden at the Zilkar Botanical Garden, with an enchanting neon-art display throughout the park, food and drink, music and dance, surreal performers and interactive art sculptures. Surreal costumes are encouraged! 25% of event proceeds benefit the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy. April 6 (VIP Night), April 7-8 and April 13-15 runs from 6:30pm to 11pm.

Learn about garden design from the experts here Garden Spark! I host private talks with inspiring designers, landscape architects, and writers several times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance. Just click on this link and ask to be added. You can find this year’s speaker lineup here.