The Wall

Once we had the gravel base in, we consulted with our masonry guru, John Chapin and got some essential pointers on how to build the perimeter wall. That wisdom included getting the first layer completely level, side-to-side and front-to-back, and to include openings to allow runoff to get through the wall. John provided re-rods to use for tying leveling benchmarks for the final wall height. We used these benchmarks to verify the height and level of the wall as we built it up.

But first we had to removed the temporary wall that was erected to contain the gravel base. Katie and Michael muscle the blocks aside.








































Then begins the tedious, critical task of laying the first row of wall blocks, seating and leveling each block along the whole 50 foot length.



































After a day of setting and leveling wall blocks we start adding layer after layer,


















Jenny and Dennis do the lion's share of work cutting the blocks along the curved edge to fit tightly and securely.


























































After a very busy, labor filled Labor Day weekend, the wall stands tall and level, ready for two pillars and a finishing cap to complete the job.