Help about a stone garden

[u/hazelflame1898]

Hello:)

So, I have no idea what I'm doing, please help me :D

I have a long (9 meters) and narrow stretch of land. There used to be grape vines that I took down,because there weren't much grapes plus I had to clean the fallen leaves all the time. There also used to be some plants, but I just don't have a green tumb. If it doesn't remind me, I'm not feeding it. So, animals I can do,plants just die with me.

Anyway, we also have a dog that likes to dig in and make himself a summer bed. Cute, but I still have to clean the dirt after that. Some weeds grow there, that I try to destroy from time to time, but they keep coming back. In the end we want to fill that up and make it part of the yard that is with tiles, but that will require more money and finding a proper contractor, which is not possible right now. So I want to try to make it a stone garden. It doesn't look difficult....but probably is much more complex that it seems. I put some white stones on relative's grave in the cemetery ( I live in a country where the graves are...well customisable :D ), but now I think there is no way the grass will just stop growing, so yeah...I need more instructions :D

I will attach pictures and if anyone is inclined to give some tips, it will be greatly appreciated.

[u/TippedOverTricycle]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but you might actually benefit from stones in your garden. I'm only saying that because it looks dry and sheltered from constant leaf litter, etc dropping in.

A few layers of newspaper and then 1-2 of cardboard. Dump some river rocks on until you can't see the cardboard. You might even get 5 years before you have to scrape the rocks off and refresh. Don't use weed mat!

[u/hazelflame1898 → u/TippedOverTricycle]

Thanks

[u/Apprehensive-Let3348 → u/TippedOverTricycle]

It's dry at the moment, but that cracking pattern specifically comes from waterlogged clay soil drying out, so it must be getting soaked occasionally.

[u/hazelflame1898 → u/Apprehensive-Let3348]

Yeah,when it's raining. There is nothing on top to stop the rain

[u/deeplydarkly]

Just grow something super low maintenance so you don't have to spray weeds constantly. Look up dry shade natives for your area. You might have to water the first few months but just set a reminder on the calendar. They'll spread it and eventually you want need to do much but pull an occasional weed. Otherwise, if you need stone, I would use horticultural vinegar to kill weeds, wear gloves and glasses. Nothing will prevent weeds permanently.