Question: I’ve heard you talk about using rock salt to make pavers. How did you do that?

Answer: We used concrete forms that we made in 10-by-16-inch and 10-by-10-inch sizes. As the concrete just began to set, we pressed prominent types of leaves such as oaks and ferns into it, then sprinkled rock salt on top. The stones are ready to be removed from their forms within 24 to 36 hours in the summer. Within several days the leaves browned and dried away, leaving their imprint. The rock salt left pock marks which add to the age and beauty of the stones. We also used a rock hammer to knock off the sharp edges to give the stones an even older appearance. We cut one batch of the stones with special carbide blades to create a formally round patio as well.