Building a Fieldstone Raised Bed Against a House Foundation

For an 8-10 inch dry-stacked fieldstone bed against a foundation, you don't need to dismantle it if it's dry-stacked and drains well. However, ensure soil doesn't contact wood, stucco, or brick siding—moisture and termites can enter. If mortared, chisel weep holes every 5-10 feet at the base. The downspout emptying into the bed is problematic; install a French drain behind the wall with perforated pipe and gravel, tying the downspout into it, sloping away from the house. Then backfill with soil. For a flagstone glider bench area, if soil is clay, add 3-4 inches of compacted crushed rock or sand as a base; if decomposed granite, you can set stones directly. Level thoroughly.