[Cob] location of cob planter wall

[Bernhard Masterson]

Hi Sarah,
   I recommend you design the planter so that it is the roof for the wall.  This can be done by sculpting a flared top to the wall with a cavity in the center for the planter.  Use EPDM (pond liner) to line the planter and drape it over the top of the cob wall so that the EPDM forms the drip edge.  The drip edge should extend a couple of inches beyond the base of the wall.  If you can make the wall slope ever so gradually from one end to the other and leave the bottom end of the wall open (like a children's slide for the water) then you won't need to do any plumbing.  Put a little gravel in the bottom of the planter for drainage.  Chose plantings that will cover the exposed EPDM and prevent edges from blowing up in the wind.
- Bernhard 



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____________________________________bernhard_masterson at hotmail.com

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Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:45:30 -0800 (PST)
From: sly at riseup.net
Subject: [Cob] location of cob planter wall
To: coblist at deatech.com
Message-ID: <a85c1add410ea41f55cba0d1876260bf.squirrel at auk.riseup.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1
 
 
I?m in Marin, the wall will be built in Sausalito. It rains alot but not
so so  bad.  I was hoping to do it without a covering because that way the
plants in the planter get more sun.  I could do a lime finish so it would
withstand rain for longer, it would need fixups every couple of years.
WHat is the general feeling of what is too much rain and what is an amount
you can get away with no roof?
 
Thanks,
Sarah