Hmm… a suitable case for treatment?
You can extend the life of a freestanding garden brick wall, provided it is still safe.
First, cap the wall top with a coping of engineering bricks, which are water resistant. alternatively use tiles laid on the slant, so that water easily runs off.
Next, cover nearby plants with plastic sheeting, then rake out loose areas of mortar using a wire brush.
Repoint the wall where necessary using a ready-made mortar mix to save time using your own. If the walllooks like (it is probably worth trying to match the mortar to the colour of the existing if you can, so for an old wall it might mean using lime mortar).
Maybe a bit ofart work?
The colours available are endless…
Or how about this for a smart scheme?
Finish off by painting on a silicone sealer to extend the wall’s life and stop algal growth on shady walls. To finish off you can apply two coats of masonry paint- there are plenty of colours available…maybe black or dark green to show off those nice foliage plants and flowers you’ll plant in front?
This approach can be used on freestanding walls, such as those used as garden boundaries. But if your wall forms part of the house and it’s exposed to the elements, then it’s wise to avoid coating it as it needs to ‘breathe’; repointing is the best method of repair here.
The ultimate in painted walls- extend your garden with a ‘Tromp d’oeiul’!
Source: ‘Short Cuts to Great Gardens’- Reader’s Digest 1999
Old School Gardener
Old School Garden 