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I'll echo that concrete isn't necessary unless that's just the type of base you prefer. I really like the method Alec is suggesting. You can use turf grass between the stones, or if you leave enough space you can even use a low ground cover like Dwarf Mondo or Ajuga. It gives it a really nice "natural" stone outcropping feel. I have even laid out the stones the way I want them and then cut out the soil beneath them to recess them into the existing soil. If you're not going to use a concrete base, though, the most important thing in my opinion is to be sure that what ever base you use is relatively stable and uniform. If the base has humps, ridges, holes, etc. your flagstone is eventually going to break. My preferred method would be to excavate the area to about 4" deep (based on the thickness of your stone), put a 2" layer of crusher run (a.k.a. quarter-minus) in the bottom and tamp and level it, put a 1" layer of sand on top of that and level it, place the stones on top of the sand with out recessing into the sand, fill the gaps between the stones with topsoil or a gardening mix, and then plant a ground cover in that.

Thanks guys. I like the look of grass in the cracks also, but the main reason I'm doing this in the first place is because grass wont grow there. Like Ducturd, last year my wife wanted sod in the backyard so I busted my booty & gave her what she wanted. Here we are a year later looking at bare dirt & discussing stone patios.....imagine that! So if grass will not grow there, will the other plants grow there that you (landscaper) mentioned? If so, which ones? Thanks

What seems to be the problem with growing grass? Shade? The Dwarf Mondo should do equally well in sun or shade. The Ajuga likes the shade a little better than the sun. It may be slightly less traffic tolerant, though.

I guess it's a combination of shade & competition with mature trees (that she doesn't want me to cut). What about moss?

Moss was going to be my next suggestion. I don't know much about it other than that it can be propagated. A shady spot with well drained acidic soil should be a great spot for it.

Brick on sand (and compacted crusher run)

Stepping stones

Stone on concrete (pics are small, pre digital. need a scanner)

Concrete with brick inset

Dawgma, what depth of sand and/or gravel do you recommend? I was thinking of ditching the gravel due to the light duty this area will see. Thoughts?

I prefer 3" of crusher run compacted then an 1" of sand compacted. doesn't ever work well with stone because the joints are never tight and the sand washes, eventually even with mortar mixed in. IMO

I with I had gotten photos of this patio, it was scored and stained but we pressed canna lilly leaves into the pattern before it was dry. turned out kinda neat. I was just more impressed the pergola turned out right