how to build a stone wall in you garden
A permanent landmark in your garden adds a level of class and sophistication that is not easily duplicated. A stone wall is the ideal accessory because it is so versatile and relatively simple to do. Your wall need only be two to three feet tall, and can add a formal or casual look to your garden, which ever you prefer. A more formal look would be to dry stack the stones. This is a more time consuming than using mortar, but it adds a certain amount of "New England" charm. You simply stack the stones like a puzzle, trying different shapes in each spot until you have created the wall. This can be time consuming because each rock must be picked out in relation to the others, and you may find half way through your project that, even though you have plenty of rocks left, none fit quite "right" into your wall.
A more casual look is to take set the rocks into mortar, just like bricking a house. The advantage to this is that you can fit the rocks together easily, since they will not actually touch. Whichever method you choose, the basic preparation is the same.
1. Decide where you want the wall. It can be a background piece, or an accent piece. It can be a low border around the garden, or it can be just long and wide enough for two people to sit on. Once you have made your decision, mark the area with flour or lime.
2. Set a string at the desired height. If you want your wall to be two feet tall, measure two sticks and stick them in the ground at opposite ends of the wall area. If your wall is going to be long, you will want to add some sticks between these two. If your wall is curved or has several "legs", you should do one section at a time. Tie a string to one stick and pull it to the next, tying it snugly. Re measure all along the length of string to make sure that you are at the correct height and even.
3. If the ground is very steep where the wall is going up, you may want to level it gently, making several small terraces, so that the rocks can sit firmly on the ground.
4. Now you are ready to get your rocks. If you are dry stacking the rocks, you will definitely want square or rectangular rocks. If you are setting them in mortar, you can choose whatever shape you want. You can get the rocks from a quarry or stone dealer (check your yellow pages), or if you live near a public waterway, you maybe able to collect them yourself. This can be back breaking work though, and you want to make sure that you have permission. If you are setting the rocks in mortar this is also the time to get a couple of bags. You can find mortar, or quick cement mix, at any home improvement center. The bag will tell you how to estimate the amount you need, as well as preparation instructions. Most require water and sometimes the addition of sand. Be certain to follow the manufacturer's directions exactly, as the mix will not harden properly or develop maximum strength if allowed not mixed up properly.
5. Start stacking rocks. It is easier if you start with the bottom and work all the way across and then move up a row, rather than stacking the rocks up section by section. If you are dry stacking, take your time and be certain that the rocks are securely stacked on each other. As you go along you will develop a feel for this and will work quicker. If you are using mortar the main thing is to be as neat as possible, as the excess mortar can really take away from the look of the rock, and is nearly impossible to remove.
Once you have the wall completed, you are ready to enjoy, experiment with different types of flowers and edging plants.
Please click the icon to chat online.
