Very present in Provence, the calades bring this so particular stamp to the squares and the green spaces in the parks. Playing on the contrasts of colors between the different stones, they allow to create infinite patterns. Aesthetic and practical, they have everything to please!
What is a calade?
A calade is an assembly of stones or pebbles built into the ground. In the past, this technique was used to create cobbled streets to facilitate the flow of water, while creating paths for vehicles or pedestrians that were pleasant to walk on. Traditional in Provence, it is also very common in Greece and Italy.
Between two coverings, it is ornamental and attracts the eye by creating contrast. Surrounding a fountain, it serves as a perfect setting, while in the garden, it helps to delimit areas, to mark a change of atmosphere such as the passage from a wooded area to a place for Mediterranean plants, or to accommodate a dining area or a garden lounge.
Technical interests of the calade
In addition to its undeniable aesthetic side, the calade prevents the soil from being subjected to erosion, especially in areas with a slight slope. It facilitates the movement and channelling of water and allows for a clean and pleasant path. In this context, it can also mark the entrance of a house, thus isolating it from the ground with grace. In a city courtyard, a patio, it allows to dry the ground in a much more aesthetic way than a simple concrete slab!
Finally, the calade allows you to enhance the value of the rocks of the region by using them and putting them on stage.
How to make a calade ?
The realization of a calade is not very complicated if the preparation work is correctly done.
The choice of materials
To create a calade in your garden, choose stone materials that are appropriate for your region. Choose stones that do not freeze so that they do not shatter in the event of a cold snap.
The calade can be built with simple stones or pebbles. The latter, thanks to their varied pastel colors, their roundness and shine are often preferred to create patterns. The calade is then transformed into a mosaic in relief capturing the light and reflecting it according to the time of day. Plant motifs, arabesques, initials, coats of arms or real frescoes evoking a story: you choose the theme!
Where to find the stones?
If your garden is located in an alluvial plain, a very stony field or on the edge of a river, all you have to do is gather the materials present on site. Be careful, this does not mean plundering the rivers near your home! If the materials are not available in their natural state in your garden, you can find them in building materials stores, in large DIY and gardening stores, in quarries or in some garden centers. Of course, many websites offer this type of stone, you will easily find a solution to get them.
Building a calade: is it possible for everyone?
It is necessary to master some masonry notions to realize this type of work. You should know that the ground will have to be lowered over the whole surface which requires a certain effort and a good physical shape. Finally, the technique requires a certain know-how to place each stone to the millimeter. Impatient people should abstain!
Making a calade
- Start by defining the location of your calade and determining its shape.
- For an angular calade (square, rectangular...) use stakes and ropes. For a circular calade, a rope or a simple garden hose will do.
- It is then time to dig the soil. The depth will depend on the purpose of your walkway. If it is to be used for traffic, the excavation will be deeper in order to create a 15 to 30 cm hedgehog topped by a bed of stones and then facing stones whose height must be calculated.
- For a pedestrian calade, a 10 cm thick bed of lime or cement mortar and sand will be necessary, again, the thickness of the stones or pebbles will have to be added.
- Loosen and level the bottom of the hole.
- Place a flexible weave at the bottom.
- Prepare your bed according to the material chosen and the destination of your calade.
- Prepare your mortar, spread it at the bottom of the hole and smooth it. Calculate its height in relation to your stones.
- If it is a very specific pattern, draw it beforehand in the mortar with a pointed object.
- Place your stones following the pattern, they must be tight. Some people place the stones flat, others prefer to place them on edge, which allows them to be better adjusted. During this step, push them in 1 cm to make them set in the mortar. Tap each stone with a mallet.
- To prevent water from pooling in the center of your calade, create a slight slope or a center slightly higher than the sides.
- Once the pattern is complete, fill in the spaces between the stones with a light mortar (2/3 sand to 1/3 cement).
- Clean the pebbles with a coir or rice straw brush while moistening to wash the stones. You can use a sponge.
- Let your work dry for a week before walking on it.
