Liking the sustainability page on the LJN

I'm loving seeing the 'Sustainable Group' on LJN, for me it's a huge part of why I so enjoy the work that I do.For me, dry stone walling and Cornish hedging are fantastic methods of building boundary walls, retaining walls and garden features that look great but also are perfect habitats for all manner of insects, small mammals and beautiful fauna. With the many people joining this group, its great to see that other people are interested in ongoing environmental concerns, taking animal, plant and insect habitats as an example.A good example for me is a job that I was involved in at the end of last year. This job was to build a slate retaining wall of 35 metres by 1.4 metres, replacing the existing concrete block wall which had started to 'push out' and crack due to pressure from behind the wall from lack of suitable drainage. They had had quotes from various landscapers for the work, one of which included £1000 just to remove the existing concrete block wall, which would of course go straight to landfill. The way for me of working sustainably was to re-use the concrete blocks, smashing them out then using the pieces as backfill, thereby recycling the blocks and passing savings back to the customer to boot.Being lucky enough to live and work around Cornwall is a constant inspiration to my work. Its great to know that by building these walls and using sustainable hard landscaping methods, I am helping to work towards a sustainable environment.

Hi Si,
I'm new to the site and halting on my way to peek at the Sustainable Group. Great way to repurpose the concrete blocks and win-win situation to boot. I'm not a landscaper but am involved in construction of sorts and try to repurpose materials wherever possible both for more sustainable use of resources in design and the time worn qualities....and the creative challenges it presents like you have just demonstrated. Alas I am working with too much concrete at the moment and need to explore other materials that will enable less use. I'm currently combining ashes from the forge and other reycled aggragetes and thinking about experimenting with more natural materials used in ancient traditional wall building including lime based mortars (not ideal) animal and plant products. Grateful for any tips and enjoyed your'e post.

Helen

"I have been using Melcourt Sylvagrow for a few years now. Bracken based & no wood fibre or crap within it. I tend to mix in some Perlite depending on what it is being used for. It was sold in 50Lt bags until last spring when they dropped 20% out,…"

"Hi Henry - Sounds like the starter motor is trying to turn the engine over but it has jammed. You could try freeing it off by rocking the machine backwards and forwards. It may work. Did for me on an Etesia 124. Good luck."

"I'm trying out Uncle Tom's Rose Tonic this year as well as Sulphur Rose and am keen to see the results. Obviously I can't recommend them yet, but will report back if they work. "

Comments

Ofer El-hashahar March 19, 2009 at 9:04pm

Great to read,

It is always nice to see people that care about environment,
I also tried to recycle materials on projects that I did and now try to offer recycled materials.There are not as nice as your dry stone walls but sure good for environment.

Keep on going- you got it
ofer
Si Stone Waller March 21, 2009 at 7:31pm

Thanks very much ofer, feedback is always good, especially when it is positive and like-minded!! Sounds like you have an interesting business yourself, really hope that your work is still going good in the present financial climate, keep up the good work with your recycling, I will endeavor to do the same!

Si
Helen Nock March 28, 2009 at 8:40pm

Hi Si,
I'm new to the site and halting on my way to peek at the Sustainable Group. Great way to repurpose the concrete blocks and win-win situation to boot. I'm not a landscaper but am involved in construction of sorts and try to repurpose materials wherever possible both for more sustainable use of resources in design and the time worn qualities....and the creative challenges it presents like you have just demonstrated. Alas I am working with too much concrete at the moment and need to explore other materials that will enable less use. I'm currently combining ashes from the forge and other reycled aggragetes and thinking about experimenting with more natural materials used in ancient traditional wall building including lime based mortars (not ideal) animal and plant products. Grateful for any tips and enjoyed your'e post.

Helen