Stone work for Garden Benches

Wet Saw Mania!

After cutting stone with a hand saw for the past few months, I was eager for an easier method. The hand saw created clouds of dust, and it was constantly difficult to set the stones for a safe, straight cut.  The idea arrived to rented a wet saw!  In two days time, I cut 33 pieces, from a load I had amassed via a delightful counter top dumpster. I grabbed my mother and her trailer to pick up the rented saw.  We unloaded and set this efficient beast up, having been novices, I felt quite content with ourselves.  After making a few swift cuts, I was feeling very good indeed.  

Now I have a variety of dimensions and patterns.  Many of the stones have a match for the mirroring benches, that face one another.  The result is, a store house has been created!  The process should with less frustration and sawing biproduct in the future.  

Memorial Garden Benches

It was while musing on the subject of Memorial Gardens when the idea of a unique garden bench was hatched.

The work is both practical and theoretical.  It combines gardens and intentions. To be more specific, Memorial Gardens. Or as I like to call it, a Garden Legacy.  

You see, big hearted people often plant a stately tree, or dedicate a bench to honor the life and memory of a someone they’ve lost.  It’s important.   These garden benches hold that same intention. 

A garden bed is at the base of each bench to be planted with vibrant, meaningful plantings.  This combines the living, perennial nature of a flower with the static permanence and strength of steel and stone. The bench becomes a thoughtful space. Where you can reliably sit, rest into your thoughts and be surrounded by beauty.  

Each bench I created by hand at my family's shop in Independence, Minnesota.  Please, come by, take a look and take a seat.  

Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer and national holiday is next weekend.  The timing may be just right

Uncle Pat's Memorial Garden

Joseph Patrick Hickey passed away in June, 2016.  Loved and missed by his many nieces and nephews, siblings and friends. 

Family gathered and chose a long-living hydrangea to honor his memory. Pat was cremated and will not have a head stone.  However, this flowering bush will take it's place. Planted in a centralized location, to be contemplated and enjoyed frequently by all who visit the families cabin. Above are his brothers standing around the hydrangea after delicately planting and sharing memories with all who had gathered.  Now as his many loved ones pass by the front door, they’ll be passing by a memory of dear Uncle Pat.

Love you Uncle Pat...