The Artform That is Wood

Hello!

This is the first piece that I’ve written for Two Hoes Gardening, so I’ll introduce myself. My name is Ben Steele. I work “part time” at Two Hoes Gardening with my wife, Becca, and our friend Kristi.

I have been in the construction industry working with my hands for almost 15 years. I run my own electrical business, Steele Electrical Service LLC, and have been an electrician for about as long as I’ve been working construction, specializing in residential and commercial new construction, service, maintenance and repairs. 

I have been a carpenter, however, since I was about 4 years old. My father and grandfather taught me the basics as a boy by letting me get my hands on tools and lumber, and letting me take part in their projects. I took industrial technology classes throughout middle and high school learning more advanced techniques, and additionally,  my time spent in the construction industry watching master craftsmen and asking them questions, polished all of those skills into the body of knowledge that I hold today. 

I jumped at the idea of crafting garden beds and other wooden gardening for Two Hoes.

When you look online or at brick and mortar stores, all you see are plain unfinished wood garden kits that will last maybe a year in good conditions. I wanted to build something that would last, something that I would be proud to display in my yard, something beautiful and conversation-sparking.

I believe that a garden should not only be functional for the end user, but that the containers should also be a beautiful addition to outdoor spaces, like patios or pergolas, for example.

The techniques that I love, such as wood burning and the application of natural oils and varnishes, bring out the natural beauty of the lumber and really add depth and richness to the pieces to make them truly unique works of art. 

This carpenter takes pride in his work, loves treating woodworking an artform, and loves the concept of marrying this to the wealth of plant knowledge and expertise that Becca and Kristi bring to the table. If you are looking for a company to build your garden dreams, there is no concept that Two Hoes Gardening can’t build and or plant!