Landscaping Guide For HomeownersLandscaping Guide For Homeowners

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Landscaping Guide For Homeowners

Hello, my name is Justin Malone and on this blog you'll find a lot of useful information about landscaping. When I moved into my newly built home, I didn't even have any grass in my yard, so I had to start from scratch. Before I tackled the project of landscaping my property, I did a large amount of research first. I learned how to plant grass seed, and when the grass started to grow, I researched planting trees. As my yard started taking shape, I planted shrubs and made flower beds. My next landscape project was building a fish pond and I completed it with ease after doing the research. I'm writing this blog as a guide for others who want to do their own landscaping and I hope that it helps you learn how to create a beautiful yard.

Decorative Use Retaining Wall Ideas

29 December 2016
 Categories: , Blog

Retaining walls are a must in some yards to help contain uneven terrain. In others, they allow you to create more levels for a more attractive design. Instead of a plain wall, though, consider adding in some other useful or decorative elements. The following ideas can help provide inspiration.

Idea #1: The Double Wall

If you need a wall over waist height, consider breaking it up into a double wall. This way it will look less imposing and more visually appealing. The lower wall will sit just above knee-height, then you will level the ground out behind it for a couple of feet. The second wall will be placed to the desired final height. The result is a narrow terrace between the walls, which you can plant with your favorite foliage or flowers to help soften the look of the tall wall.

Idea #2: Add Seating

Often, retaining walls are at the perfect height to sit upon. This is especially tempting for walls that border a pretty garden path or that encircle a patio or barbecue area. Why not play up this feature and top the wall with a wide capstone so it can double as a comfortable bench. You can even add blocks to make a backing on the retaining wall bench or add cushions – which works especially well on walls that surround patios.

Idea #3: Bent Out of Shape

There is no reason why a wall needs to be perfectly straight. Have fun with the design and add curves or even angles to the wall. Gentle curves add a natural flow to the wall, which can help guide the eye to a landscape feature you wish to highlight. You can also create a zig-zag wall with sharp angles, and then plant a favorite tree or shrub between the outward jutting sections for a modern look.

Idea #4: Support Structures

Retaining walls can also do double duty as a plant support. You can even have the trellis anchors built directly into the wall by anchoring them into the mortar. Then, it's just a simple task of stretching trellis wire between the permanent anchors. Climbing roses or other flowering vines provide spring and summer color, or you can plant an evergreen ivy for year-round color. If you prefer edibles, kiwi vines or even espaliered fruit trees are an attractive way to soften a taller retaining wall.

Talk to a wall and fence contractor like Quality Lawn & Landscape for more ideas.