We just did a sidewalk this way, so I hope there isn't any problems. The only thing I know to worry about is having the stones low enough so the lawn mower can pass over without the blades hitting the rocks. I filled in the cracks between the stones with dirt and then threw out some grass seed. Now I am only wondering if maybe I should kill the grass and plant a low growing ground cover.

it all depends upon how finished a patio you like...
just laid right on the grass, the stone will sink and become uneven like the ground... an inch or two here, two or three there. As the organic matter beneath the stones decomposes, the stones will sink a little further.

It would seem best to prepare the site by digging it out, adding gravel and/or rock dust base...but then you do have the SOCA 'advantage'... assuming the site is level, go ahead and try just laying them out on top (athough you'll get a more finished look if you fill the cracks with sand or earth)...
Keep a watch over it all and if you see surface areas becoming unlevel, you can always pull the stones and redo it.

So when will the first party be?

As the organic content of the first foot or so of soil are consumed by soil organisms the spot will settle a bit.
In the long run removing the topsoil to use in other parts of the garden and compacting the base and then setting your stones on sand or stone dust will give longer lasting results.

happyplanter, I would love to see some pictures of what you are working on, can you post some?
Thanks,
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, just checked back on this thread, i will try to get some pics tomorrow and post them. It is a work in progress though, :)