How to Build Garden Walls
When building a garden wall, you have many options in term of materials. The wall can also be scaled in size to create a beautifully proportioned element in your landscape. It can be a backdrop for your larger shrubs, or a foot-high border for some pretty flower beds. These types of walls add a decorative element to a garden space and can add value to the property as well.
TIP: Our expert gardening advisor, Rachel Klein adds, 'Depending on how tall your limestone wall will be, you may need to file for a permit with your city or town municipality. Check all local codes before building your wall.'
Rock Garden Wall
Your rock garden stone wall can be made using purchased or scavenged rocks. Scavenged rocks are an economical choice and a great way to make use of the natural resources in the garden area. Use larger rocks on the bottom and smaller rocks for a decorative flourish at the top of the wall. Round rocks look great but are less stable and harder to place. For beginners, flagstone, sandstone, and shale are relatively flat and easy to work with. For these, the weight should be enough to keep them in place and mortar may not be necessary. Fill the cracks in between with rock bits and chips. However, mortar can be used to set the rocks if they are unstable. A homemade mortar solution is 1 part cement to 6 parts sand and 2 parts lime. Mix, ideally with a cement mixer.
Brick Garden Wall
Your brick garden wall should be made in much the same way as a rock wall, except with the use of bricks. A brick wall gives more options for decoration. For instance, the top of the wall can be made from small rocks. You can also use a line of small rocks along the middle of the wall if desired. Large rocks could be used as a base and sandstones could be placed on top of the rocks to build the wall up. The bricks can be purchased or scavenged at demolition sites for free or for a very small fee. Building a brick wall can be challenging for a beginner and in most cases they are only built by experienced masons.
Category: Stone Knowledge
Updated: 2014/1/15
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