Page 26 - Landscape-Issue138

ALLIED TRADE FEATURE

STONED!

The definition of dry stone walling
is a wall made with stones that fit
together firmly without the use of
cement or mortar. It is one of the oldest

construction techniques in existence
and involves simply stacking stones on
top of each other. The walls rely only
on gravity for their stability and a well-

constructed wall can be expected to
last for over 100 years, or more.
Close-up view of a dry stone wall. Photo courtesy of Sand Online
he history of dry stone walling dates back to the Neolithic age, and
the earliest examples have been dated to around 5000 BC. The
Tancient Mayans and Incas in the Peruvian Andes built enormous
temples and places of sacrifice to worship their gods and observe the
universe. Machu Pich in Peru was the sacred home of the Incas, where this
highly evolved and spiritual civilization terraced an entire mountainside
so that they could farm the land and grow their crops.
The Romans built Hadrian’s wall in the far north of England to fend
off marauding barbarians, and farmers in Cornwall built double-
sided walls filled with soil and hedging plants along the top, to act as
windbreaks and protect their crops from prevailing winds.
This traditional method of building walls still exists today, and
landscapers who are skilled in this ancient art create beautiful
gardens using natural rock to retain and terrace difficult slopes. From
an aesthetic point of view, dry stone walls are often considered much
more attractive and natural than modern concrete structures and if A creative, circular stone wall using thin pieces of slate, with individual pieces
built correctly, will stand the test of time. These walls are also free lying on their side along the top of the wall
draining, provided that they are back-filled with fine soil and coarse
sand, not clay. It is also essential that each layer of soil be compacted
behind every course to avoid subsidence, or the wall will collapse.

Stone walls, flora and fauna
Dry stone walls provide a refuge for wildlife, lizards and amphibious
creatures who inhabit the walls and live between the rocks. Drought-
resistant succulent plants such as Sedums, Echeveria, Crassula and
Vygies grow well between the stones, enhancing and softening the
face of the wall. Sculptural plants such as Aloes, Agave and other
indigenous species are very effective when planted in the level
terraces above the wall.

Stone wall construction in Cape Town
Stone wall construction in Cape Town dates back centuries,
influenced by indigenous Khoisan techniques and later European
settlers such as the Dutch and British. They used local stone to erect
defensive walls, forts and settlements, shaping the architectural
landscape of the region. Cape Dutch architecture, characterised by
its use of local materials and gabled roofs, prominently featured
stone walls reflecting both practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Stone walls in Cape Town serve as tangible links to the region’s rich
cultural heritage, embodying traditions passed down through the
generations. The walls are known for their resilience, standing firm
against the ravages of time and weather, and reflecting the resilience
of the communities that built them. Stone wall construction is deeply
intertwined with the identity of Cape Town, symbolising strength,
permanence and a connection to the land.
Techniques, materials and preservation efforts Succulents and hardy plants can be planted in the natural crevices of a dry
Traditional stone wall construction in Cape Town relies on locally stone wall

24 Landscape SA • Issue 138 2024 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za