Retaining walls can be a great addition to any yard space due to the multiple functions they can perform. As sturdy structures, these walls keep soil, rock, and water in place. Although retaining walls are initially installed to prevent erosion, water damage, and seepage, they can also be used for decoration. You can get creative with their aesthetics! Your retaining wall has the potential to add not only functionality to your yard, but also beauty! What are some ways to make a retaining wall aesthetically pleasing? Try using it as a garden space, a tool to create focal points, a bench, a way to transform your yard.

1. Use it as a Gardening Space

Make use of your sloped yard! With a retaining wall, you get extra space that can be used as garden placement, especially if your wall faces the sun. Take advantage of this space to create beautiful, unique flowerbeds that will enhance your yard space. Plants can hide harsh features of certain retaining walls to allow it to blend in with the rest of your yard. You can use the space in front of the wall or even on top of it by adding railroad ties or treated lumber posts. Plant beds and flowerbeds can be added on top of the wall. If it has a flat top, you can sit some containers full of cucumber, zucchini, or even watermelon on it and let the vines cascade naturally over the side of the wall. Tomatoes, corn, and beans are also great vegetables you can start growing!

Other features to include are shrubs or flower bushes (to add some more color), or even hanging baskets full of plants, such as begonias or sweet peas, by simply adding some rods to the retaining wall. Installing a trellis for plant climbing roses or ivy to grow over it is another beautiful idea! The plants can also be placed all over the wall, not just on top of it, to create a garden wall! You can be incredibly creative with this idea as well because of its vast decorative potential. Instead of capping the retaining wall normally, you have the option of topping it with hollow blocks that can be used to grow plants.

3. Convert it Into a Bench

If you choose to get a low retaining wall installed, it will not only cost you less, but also double in its function. A wall can also serve as a bench! All you have to do is request a capped wall. Capping a retaining wall creates a more aesthetically pleasing wall because of the two-inch overhanging lips on either side. This creates a comfortable sitting area. We can also make the bench out of any material you like to make sure it is enjoyable to sit on and safe for your clothing and skin!