Double-Sided Wall/Raised Bed
Hi, all! I'm over here from my usual haunt in the Vegetable Garden Forum because I found the neatest idea (I think) in one of my books, but I can't find any real information on how this thing is constructed. As my subject line says, it is essentially a double-sided stone wall that serves as a raised bed. To quote all the info from my book:
"In Devonshire they build two walls with their stones, setting two edgeways, and then one in between; and so it rises. Fill the interval with earth, continuing the stonework and filling; and as you work, beating the stones flat to the sides. This is absolutely the neatest, most saving, and profitable fencing imaginable, where slaty stones are in any abundance. Upon these banks they plant not only quicksets (cuttings), but even timber trees, which exceedingly thrive, being out of all danger." John Evelyn, 1777 The picture shows a wall constructed of fairly thin, rather square-cut stones 3 high, placed such that each layer is composed of a series of stones laid like the letter I all next to one another, forming small boxes. IIII
I have no idea how high such a structure could be built, nor really any understanding of what keeps it from all popping apart before any roots are established to help retain soil, but I'd really like to learn! Has anybody here heard of or seen a thing like this? Can you direct me to some reading material? I've tried searching the ol' internet, but am coming up empty handed. I've tried searching here with much the same result. Thanks!