Ideally I'd like to build a 1 1/2 ft. dry-stacked wall along the back of our house for a raised bed for herbs, etc. It would run up to 15-20 ft. along the back of the house, and be 2 1/2 ft. wide. Can someone please offer some advice about using non-uniform stone? Will it look too unfortunate, for the work it will involve?

Any other uses for the limestone? I want to collect it while it's available, but if I can't find a good use for it, I don't want to be stuck with a pile of rocks. Thanks!

I created my front garden beds with limestone I collected from all over town. I live in an old river town in Illinois that is sitting on a layer of it. My dry stacked, irregular walls are about 1 to 1-1/2 ft. high, and they curve. I used the bigger chunks on the bottom, and I stacked the pieces so they slope inward slightly. I used some rounder pieces to fill in cracks. Dirt has filled in nicely, and once my plants are mature, shrubs and perennials will cascade over the walls. They look great, very natural, and I haven't had any problems. I like the random look of it. I live in a very old house, and this look is much more natural looking than pavers. As far as other uses for limestone, I also collected very large flat pieces which I'm using for a patio and walkways. You could also use it to make a nice fountain, pond or grotto.

http://journals.aol.com/kirbysmama123/Mygardensalaboroflove/entries/621

Abouve are links to some of the things I have done with similar rocks. Copy and paste into your browser. I live Illinois and we have limestone every where in our town.