Mark,
We use the road base under the DG because :
#1 - It is WAYYYYY cheaper than DG , which allows you to use a lot less DG in the long run.
# 2 - Road base makes for a more stable path and doesn't get as muddy/ smooshy in the winter rainy season.

-We excavate down to the depth of 3.5 inches ( the thickness of a pressure treated 2x4 ) or you can use a Trex like product for your borders.
-Lay down the double bonded barrier cloth ontop of the compacted native soil.
-Lay down 2.5 inches of base rock - well compacted.
-Top dress with 1 inch of DG.
-For added stability we mix in a stabilizer -
* All totally organic.

DG with stablizer - veggie garden
{{gwi:17766}}
From Scrapbook Photos

What is DG?

DG is decomposed granite.
Here in Northern California is has a color range of yellow to gray.
The texture is like large grain sand .
It compacts extremely well but when it gets saturated with rain water it can become muddy if applied too thick or can become muddy if a stabilizer is not mixed in with the dg.
Stabilizers are a 'binding' agent . Organic stabilizers range from organic pine pitch to cellulose from the Agave plant. Some have even mixed in a little bit of cement into the decomposed granite as a binding agent.
The cost of DG depends on if it naturally occurs in your area, the amount and location that's in the quarry and or if it has to be trucked in .

In my area DG is about 6 to 10 times more expensive than base rock.

Thanks for the sound advice DD.

I just realized the cinderblock wall I would like to re-purpose for the garden boxes is painted...and old enough to likely be leaded paint.

Anyone want to weigh in on whether or not the paint is a legitimate concern as far as leaching into the garden boxes?

Is DG the same as breeze. If not what are the differences?

The front yard veggie garden is complete and planted! Thanks to all the site contributors and DD in particular for helping to guide my vision.

{{gwi:17768}}

{{gwi:17769}}

{{gwi:17770}}

Those are VERY nice looking raised beds!

Wow that is one beautiful vegetable garden!

Nice !
looking forward to seeing images as the planting progresses.

congrats on seeing your vision through.