|
|
Free Standing Stone Walls
|
| WoodSpirit Gardens
Revives an Ancient
Landscaping Art |
I have always been amazed and infatuated by stone construction, particularly the more primitive type. Its beauty, strength, and durability never cease to attract me and hold my attention. While living in Europe, I was amazed by the stone construction found everywhere. Much of the stonework had been constructed centuries earlier, and in the case of Roman walls and arches, there beauty has been there for millenniums.
I would inspect the stonework whenever possible, enjoying the craftsmanship as well as the rich history each piece contained. I came to learn most of the stone construction was done in the method of dry stone stacking. Dry stacked means without cement or any other material to adhere the rock together. Only friction between the rock as well as gravity holds it together. Little did I know at that time, the opportunity to learn this art would one day come my way.
The prospect came via the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. They sponsored an intensive two day hands on seminar on construction of a dry stacked stonewall with a built in bench. Since attendance would be limited, my son Phillip and I leapt at the opportunity, and sent in our application immediately.
The seminar would be taught by certified instructor Neil Rippingale, a Scotland native and a Dry Stone Master Craftsman. Neil travels the world teaching the art of dry stone construction and works as a representative of the Dry Stone Conservancy, an international organization dedicated to preserving and expanding this unique yet ancient building method.
In the two days we learned many techniques on how to build a stone structure that would both stand the test of time and be beautiful. Mr. Rippingale showed us many vital construction details that would normally have taken me a lifetime to learn on my own, if ever. Leaving his class the second day, I was left with a strong desire to learn more. That chance came this fall when I discovered Neil would be teaching another class in Kentucky. Deciding the class was worth the long journey, Phil and I packed our bags and hit the road. |  |
| With our newly acquired knowledge, we began the exciting project of building a freestanding stonewall here at WoodSpirit’s Display Gardens. We knew that once our friends and customers discovered its beauty and uniqueness, they would want this distinctive feature installed at their home. If you are interested in having a distinctive dry stacked stone landscape feature installed, or would just like more information on the techniques and possibilities of this form of construction, please contact WoodSpirit Gardens
|
|
