Hi all

Another question for the assembled masses of expertise out there!

I've designed a compact, minimal Japanese-influenced garden, and I'd love to include some rammed-earth walls in it. I've seen some information on how to construct and maintain them, but there doesn't seem to be a definitive method. I want to get some variation in colour within them, so will need a slight variation in the soil mix, and I suspect that I'll have to incorporate a small proportion of cement too - how does this affect the colour? Is normal concrete shuttering on a 10% batter sufficient? They will need capping with ridge tiles - how are these secured? Do you include reinforcing rods or not? What surface treatment is required, if any? I want them to last for a long time - and I know that there are some in Japanese temples which are hundreds of years old, so it must be possible, even in our climate.

As ever, thoughts and exeriences gratefully received!

Mark