Growing in Stone

The Glassners are one busy family. A bit longer than the typical commute to Uptown, Adam’s office is in Washington D.C. So during the week While Adam’s working, Patti manages the homestead, mothers four kids, and still manages to crank out the occasional triathalon.

“We’ve wanted to have a garden for a while now”, explains Patti. “Like every parent, we want our kids to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. We feel like growing organic produce at home will create excitement about healthy eating.”

“It’s not entirely for the kids though”,  laughs Patti. “Adam and I are really excited about the garden too.”

The Glassners opted to have their 5’x9’ raised bed made using dry stacked Pennsylvania Field Stone, which, in addition to a timeless, elegant appearance, will last much longer than any type of lumber.  Once a few shrub bushes were relocated and the site cleared of debris, the first course, or layer of stones was put down. The first course is the most important ( and slowest )as it will largely determine the stability of the entire structure.

The widest, flattest stones are selected, and painstakingly fitted together and leveled. Subsequent courses are laid down and secured with #78 gravel . Unlike mortar, using gravel creates stability and also acts as a filter, preventing soil from washing out from between the stones. For the final course, flat stones were again sought and carefully fitted together for a clean looking cap. The finished height of the Glassners’  stone bed is about 20” and was filled with an organic soil blend of pine bark fines, mushroom compost, and PermaTill.  The family’s fall garden includes beets, carrots, sugar snap peas, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Swiss Chard, and lettuces.