Stone Walling in the English Garden

Learn traditional English stone masonry techniques. In the garden of an estate in the remote and magical English countryside, near a stone bridge reputed to be 3000 years old, and among hills with cairns, burial mounds, and sacred circles, this class will focus on building two complex, sloped retaining walls with double-faced walls atop them, in addition to a pair of staircases leading to the garden’s upper level. The work will be challenging, but with many hands very enjoyable. Daily hikes in the blustery and hilly English countryside will bring us to local masons and farmers to check out various stone walling styles and techniques, as well as to monolithic stone installations, gardens, and pubs and eateries. Accommodations are in a twelve-bedroom private home at the estate. Students will help in preparing food, as well as sharing meals with the owners and their guests, including famous artists, musicians and perhaps royal family or professors from London universities. We will live among the family as they come and go in their very English style. If you are looking to improve your existing walling skills, or learn some new techniques, we will push you past your current knowledge and limits to explore what you don’t know and what you may not yet have imagined. Strong backs and a strong work ethic are essential.

This post was submitted by Jose Galarza.