We used retaining walls of stacked stone to stop the erosion of the front yard into the driveway.
The client had a bare, steep, eroding landscape. Soil was steadily washing into the street and on the driveway, giving a foothold to noxious weeds in the front yard. They wanted to correct this and add on some outdoor space to expand their living area.
Stacked Stone Walls for Irrigation Control
We built two smaller rustic stacked-stone retaining walls to stop erosion, choosing a rough gray stone that provided an admirable rustic feel. We then built a larger wall with a flagstone terrace on the top to provide much-wanted patio. Our planning, care and effort made the walls durable and useful. They secure the soil, break the flow down the slope, and redirect the runoff.
Patio Terrace
Ground covers were planted by the terrace and front door. We chose evergreens, hardy geraniums, hellebores, hostas and Monroe White liriope. We softened the edges where the terrace met the house with soft textures and fragrant plants. Instead of that cramped feeling before the installation, the patio now entices people to sit in the fresh air and enjoy the blooming flowers.
Lawn First Aid and Pollinator Garden
My customers noticed the runoff washed the soil away, ruining their attempt at establishing a lawn in the front lawn. We divided the front yard with a low curving retaining wall built with rough gray long stack stone to match the stone used for the terraces. This continued the rustic motif. We built a generous shrub and perennial bed on top of the wall in the brightest area in the yard. The garden includes antique roses with fragrant flowers that produce wintertime hips (the fruit of the roses), surrounding them with multiple perennials and herbs which attract pollinators. Including evergreen Encore azaleas and Blue Star junipers provides some structure and gives a focal point for the landscape. The gracefully curving shapes of the landscape make maintenance easier, too.
We secured the remaining soil with TifTuf® Bermudagrass sod. Bermuda offers exceptional shade and drought tolerance. It grows fast and has high resistance to foot traffic. And it requires little irrigation once roots have been established.
Safety First! Handrails for Steps
Finally, we added a handrail for the steps. The steps leading to the front door are so steep the owners worried about the safety of elderly relatives. We installed aluminum fencing deeply embedded and sturdy after assembly. This system elegantly accommodated the multiple changes of grade up the slope. Walking this stair will be more enjoyable, instead of an unavoidable drudgery.
This addition of the railing provides safe and easy access for the older folk. It worked well for me—I’m been around the sun quite a few times. Success!
Great Outcome!
Working with David and Julia was a great experience. They had clear and realistic goals, making it easier for us to do our work. They were open to new ideas and gave us useful feedback when we asked for direction.