Retaining walls can serve different functions in a landscape. A wall can be constructed to create a raised bed, to block off the lawn from any borders or other property, to help mark and support slopes and rises in the landscape, or to create attractive focal points within a garden. Retaining walls can be constructed with various materials. Among some of the common materials used include randomly selected stones, curb stones, cobblestones, flagstones, railroad ties, logs, concrete block, ribbed siding, and wooden edging. Though the possibilities are endless when creating walls from these materials, generally, stone is most often used.
When constructing a stone retaining wall, there are two basic ways with which you can do it. You have the option of either wet or dry construction. With wet construction, you must use mortar or concrete, and the job can be more difficult; thus, it is usually better to utilize the aid of a professional. However, there is an advantage to having a wet-constructed retaining wall. They are far more sturdier whereas dry-constructed walls may not be quite as stout. For this reason, dry-constructed walls usually are no more than three feet high. Dry construction, however, does not incorporate the use of any mortar or concrete and makes it easier for those who prefer to construct the wall on their own.
Simple designs that can be used for an attractive flower bed wall, a rustic border, or an eye-catching focal point involve the use of dry construction. Locate the area with which you want to construct the wall and remove any weeds or debris. Loosen the soil as needed for levelness. For creating a wall with flowers in mind, simply begin by selecting large, flat stones and set them in two rows with about a foot or two between each row. Lay the stones edgeways along the length of each row while placing stones long ways throughout the middle every foot or so. This will serve as added support as well as dividers for various plants. Continue building up the walls by overlapping the cracks from each previous layer including the dividers. As you build up each layer, fill in the area between the walls with soil. Repeat the process until you have reached no more than three feet in height. Plant your desired flowers and watch this interesting flower bed wall blissfully come to life. You can also create what is commonly referred to as a farmer’s stone or rubble wall. This type of wall could also incorporate the use of plants or simply serve as an attractive eye-piece. Construction is done in the same basic way with large, flat stones forming a base in two rows. However, as you are building up the walls, do not use any dividers or soil. Instead, toss in small rubble-type stones into the middle while keeping this even with the outer walls. When you have reached the desired height (about three foot), deposit a load of soil onto the rubble stones and wash it down with water. The soil will eventually settle between the stones. Make sure the location is in a site that will allow for rain to properly reach any plants that are used. Sedum, creeping phlox, candy tuft, and dianthus make good choices and thrive in a warm, well-drained wall garden.
Retaining walls that are built into banks or slopes are often done in stages. While most often these utilize flat stones, this particular design incorporates the use of different sizes and shapes to add dimension. The different sizes will also create a more natural appearance. Designing the wall with dry construction usually begins with a small trench that is dug out of the slope for the base. Using a variety of stones, partially bury the largest boulders in front of the bank with smaller boulders partially buried in between the larger ones. As each stone is laid, fill in behind and between them with soil. This will help in allowing the next layer to be set in place more easily. Be sure to keep the back of the wall vertical and taper it off with smaller stones as you work your way up. When the wall reaches approximately one foot in height, a four-inch plastic pipe should be placed behind the wall to promote drainage. Overlap the stones over the cracks of previous layers to aid in strengthening the wall. Continue to backfill behind the wall with soil. As with other dry-constructed walls, try not to build the wall up too high. For taller walls, it is usually better to use mortar. The top of the wall can be capped off with flat stones or allow some type of groundcover, such as creeping phlox, to simply drape down the edge of the wall. Any nooks within the wall can be filled in with plants as well.
There are concrete wall systems that are available at most home centers which can be used instead. These fit together easily and are built in a similar manner. However, gravel or sand is normally used as a base. Build up the wall and simply cap it off with slate.
