How do i lay this type of patio?

I like contemporary design but still like some green in my yard and some grass or ground cover. How do I lay this type of patio in my garden? Advice for the planting inbetween or the best type of pavers to use? Examples below! How do I prep the ground and lay the stones and do i need cement or anything?





http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/designers_portf...





http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/designers_portf...





http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/designers_portf...

How do i lay this type of patio?
There are a couple of ways. You can sweep good soil in and plant it, or just place your stones and then cut sod to fit around them.


http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/m...


When I was starting out, I dug individual spots for the pavers and poured sand in under them, but the ground swallowed them up within 2 years. So preparation is the key.