Hedgelaying and Dry Stone Walling ~ Tasmania
Welcome to "Sticks and Stones", the home for all your hedgelaying and dry stone walling needs. "Sticks and Stones" is a collaboration between Andrew Garner and James Boxhall, both of whom have been recording, preserving and practicing these ancient crafts in northern Tasmania for the past 5 years. Scroll down below or follow the links to look at samples of their work, contact details, and other related information.
Meet Us
James Boxhall
I became interested in hedgelaying almost 14 years ago when I found some old hedging tools while working at “Cheshunt”, Meander. I learnt the basics and read a few books and by chance I saw some hedges at “Bentley”, Chudleigh, that had been laid the previous winter by Karl Liebscher, a professional hedge layer from Shropshire, England, and was fortunate enough to be able to work there and be taught by him. I have since spent the last 6 years restoring the hawthorn hedges there, as well as hedges throughout Tasmania.
I am a member of the National Hedgelaying Society, the DSWAA and am accredited under the DSWA scheme (UK).
I travelled to England to compete in the National Hedgelaying Championships, becoming the first person from outside of Europe to do so.
The majority of hedges I restore are English hawthorn, but all traditional hedge species can be laid, such as:
- Sloe (Blackthorn)
- Elm
- Ash
- Hazel
- Plum
- Crab apple
- Holly
Hedges are laid in different styles depending on the situation, however all styles are aesthetically appealing, stock proof (and people proof), strong and encourage vigorous new growth and when done properly are an asset to any property.
I grow and supply hawthorns and other traditional hedge species, and am available to advise people on the correct management of hedges on their properties.
Thanks to Karl Liebscher for passing on his knowledge and skills both in Tasmania and England, John and Robyn Hawkins, and a belated thanks to Edmund “Dickie” Pask, for leaving his old tools at “Cheshunt” where they could spark my interest.
Andrew Garner
I started building walls as an amateur in 2003, then professionally from 2004. Since then, I have worked on numerous jobs across northern and central Tasmania, from modest garden features to ambitious projects with walls hundreds of metres long.
I am accredited under the DSWA scheme (UK) and am a member of the DSWAA. I have also trained members of Green Corp and Adult Education classes.
In keeping with the area, the "bluestones" of dolerite and basalt are the rock types I most frequently use, with sandstone and limestone on occasion.
Work done in drystone:
- Freestanding walls
- Retaining walls
- Paving
- Steps
- Garden edging
- Features such as pillars, curves, smoots, stiles
- Sculptures
Mortared stonework:
- Gate posts
- Facing over block/brickwork
- Paving
- Steps
Each job is built with pride, aiming for both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity in every wall. Style of wall varies from traditional English with vertical copes and protruding throughs, to sleeker more contemporary walls with flush sides and mortared caps.
I would like to thank Karl Liebscher, John Wilson, and Geoff Duggan for teaching me the finer points on laying stone, and Oli for this website.
