Twelve keen locals and visitors from all backgrounds came together at Bergalia last spring for a weekend workshop on the traditional craft of dry stone walling.
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Using techniques first applied in Europe thousands of years ago, the group built twelve metres of wall without using mortar.
Participants received instructions and had a Q&A session on technical terms used in the ancient craft, such as "Ha - Ha walls", "Copes", "Cheekends", "stiles", "cripple holes" and "lunkies".
"Interest in dry stone walling is becoming more widespread for people who aspire to landscaping their home gardens," said Stephen Beashel, who hosted the workshop on their farm in Bergalia.
"Using traditional stonework with the stone from our quarry, this retaining wall looks great, it's a natural way to use a natural product."
Australian Master Craftsman and Instructor Geoff Duggan said a well-built dry stone wall would "last more than a hundred years with very little maintenance".
Modern dry stone walling is used for landscaping, garden walls, boundary fences and as a decorative design feature. The use of local stone blends the wall into the natural environment.
Another workshop is being offered on March 14-15, 7.45am - 4pm both days.
The two-day workshop offers "hands on" and theoretical training in the skill of dry stone walling for gardeners, do-it-yourself enthusiasts and professional landscapers.
The workshop will be held at 184 Beashels Lane, Bergalia.
For more information go to www.geogenic.com.au.