Hands On: Stone Walls and Stone or Brick Paving

Posted by: Marilyn Bethany
Posted on: Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Comments

How does RI know exactly what I am thinking? We are returning to our 1730 saltbox in Falls Village in two weeks and our first order of business is to look into building a low stone wall. With this article, my research work is already done and I know exactly who to contact to help undertake the task.
This blog is invaluable for people like me- keep up the good work.
There is little so beautiful in the ruaral landscape than beautiful old stone dry-walls. Wonderful to know there are master stone masons dedicated to this venerable craft.

Posted By: Terri Clark from Falls Village, Connecticut/Vancouver, BC, Canada on 2008 04 25

I’ve been wanting to take a class in stone wall building ever since we moved to “the country”. I almost went to Kentucky for one, but it was cancelled. So I was really surprised to learn, in Rural Intelligence, that Mark has been doing this for 11 years!

I found the class very helpful even though I was probably more experienced than most of the other students. I came to learn about stone-cutting tools and to see them used.

Mark shared a lot of insight and “wisdom” with us and inspired in us the desire to become a craftsman and convert rocks into something powerful and beautiful

Posted By: Steven Cohen from Spencertown, NY on 2008 05 09

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Full Article

Rural Intelligence Home and Garden
Nothing classes up a property like a bit of stone hardscape. It is that rarity in design--a thing that is at once humble and grand (indoors, a fine old wood floor makes a similar contribution). This Saturday (or, in case of rain, Sunday), at the Berkshire Botanical Garden, Mark Mendel (left), the master mason with Monterey Masonry will give a hands-on workshop on the basics of building stone walls. After teaching us how to evaluate stone, then plan and layout a freestanding wall, Mendel will demonstrate cutting and fitting. Then students will apply what they have just learned by helping to build a garden wall.

In the afternoon, Mendel will continue with another program that focuses on flatwork--paths, terraces, edging, walkways--and his range of materials will now extend to include brick. After instruction in how to evaluate a project and choose the best material for it, students will participate in the construction of a patterned brick terrace.

Pre-registration required
Saturday, April 26 (or, in case of rain, Sunday, April 27)
Morning workshop (9 a.m. - 1 p.m): “Stone Walls for the Garden”
Afternoon workshop (2 p.m. - 5 p.m.): “Paving with Brick and Stone”
Half day, $50 ($45 for Botanical Gardens members); full day, $90 ($81 for members)
Dress: outdoor work clothes, heavy-duty gloves, and safety glasses.

Berkshire Botanical Gardens
Intersection Routes 102 & 183; Stockbridge; 413.298.3926