Boston Flora

Tag: Stone

  • Saturday, May 25, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm – Stonemasonry: An Overview

    This Berkshire Botanical Garden workshop, led by Sam Mercier at the Garden on May 25, will focus on the steps that are needed to start new projects as well as methods for fixing existing problems. The class will begin with a demonstration and Q&A at 9 a.m., then participants will take a walk of the grounds, examining masonry and looking at techniques for fixing stone projects that have been worn down over time. After an in-depth look at the basics on the planning board and in the field, instruction will move to masonry tools, finishes and fabrication. This will cover cutting stone with saws large and small, splitting stone, chiseling, and other finishes necessary in stone projects at 3 p.m. $140 for BBG members, $160 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/stonemasonry-overview-0

    Sam Mercier is a local mason currently hailing from Sandisfield, Massachusetts. His career began on the island of Martha’s Vineyard where he learned from highly skilled stonemasons specializing in reclaimed granite and fieldstone. He moved to the Berkshires for an opportunity to work with a distinguished company that focused more on antique stone and brick designs. In 2015 Sam started his company Mercier Stone.

  • Sunday, February 19, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Stems and Stones: A Love Story

    Do you love the look of natural stones but you’re not sure how to use them in your landscape?  Do your planted beds seem to be lacking something but you just can’t put your finger on it? Then maybe you need a dose of good, old-fashioned inspiration! Join the husband and wife design/build team of Samantha and Neil Best from Magma Design Group for a lively discussion about the mysteries of working with stone and how plants are the finishing detail to every hardscape. On Sunday, February 19 at 1 pm at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Neil and Samantha will share humorous stories of working together as husband and wife while showing samples of their award winning work. Neil’s discussion about the history of stone, understanding quality craftsmanship, and ways to think outside the box will leave you ready to stack any stone you can get your hands on. Samantha’s enthusiastic knowledge of plants and her determination to put them next to all of Neil’s stone creations will illustrate the beautiful combinations that can be created when these materials come together to tell their own love story!

    Samantha and Neil Best are the co-founders of Magma Design Group Inc., an award-winning landscape architecture and construction company based in Massachusetts. With over 33 years of combined experience in the landscape industry, Samantha and Neil bring an intense passion and knowledge to the world of landscape design and construction. Their work is known for its site-sensitive design, incredibly crafted stonework, unique use of plants, and creative design elements. Together they are committed to creating designs that transform properties into beautiful outdoor retreats. Their work has been published in magazines such as Design New England, This Old House, and South County Living Magazine. Samantha is a Certified Horticulturalist, a Certified Invasive Plants Manager, and a public speaker. Neil is a Registered Landscape Architect, stonemason, and public speaker. The program is free with admission, but pre-registration is requested at www.towerhillbg.org.