Hello, I am hoping this may be of relevance to your build. If you are looking at any retaining walls and water tanks then Landscape Tanks may be the option for you. See some images below; Retaining walls and front fences that store rain water - seems impossible doesn't it? All these lovely pictures above are actually retaining walls that store rain water, which may seem hard to believe - well its not and lots of people are using them already with stunning results. Many people stare at these pictures and can't see the tanks without realising the lovely structures are the tanks themselves. Many people also like the appearance of the tanks so much they don't even fill them with water. These great Landscape Tanks are designed for use as structural retaining walls and front fences that store rain water and they can also be used for many other structures around the home. You can even have your front fence as your on site detention system if you like. They are made from high grade concrete (50mpa) and provide a fantastic alternative to traditional retaining walls or front fences and are very cost effective. The Landscape Tanks do not require any footings, are very easy to install and may be placed straight on a firm level base for great savings. They are are pre-engineered (empty) for use as retaining walls, which means they are also ideal for other structures around your home, such as front fences, on site detention systems, pool or pergola surrounds, water tanks, fire fighting water tanks, and raised garden beds. The planter top also has many other uses (apart from growing plants) including water features, outdoor kitchens, decking and even spectacular light shows all at the same time while still being used for your retaining wall or front fence. The Landscape Tanks are all quality and designed to last over 100+ years (or even 150 years) and they add that WOW factor to your home. So whether you are looking for retaining walls in Sydney or retaining walls in Melbourne or just browsing for retaining wall ideas, block retaining walls or concrete sleeper retaining walls, look no further than the fantastic multi purpose quality Landscape Tanks. You may be very surprises at just how cost effective they can be. Product sizing and capacities also available at http://www.landscapetanks.com.au/technical-info/specifications/ Our Landscape Tanks may be used for any of the following individually or concurrently in the same project and they deliver great savings and results. Retaining Walls Simply place into position for instant results - no footings required. On site detentions systems Save money - you may avoid using a detention system altogether. Front Fences Stunning front fences that store rain water and even double as retaining walls. Rain Water Tanks Turning rain water tanks into a feature for your property. Pool landscaping Stores rain water for the pool and keeps plants out of chlorine level. Raised Garden Beds Ideal working height for growing vegetables and herbs. Water Features and Light Show Using the planter tops for other uses can deliver amazing results. Features Pre-engineered - we provide you with your own set of engineering drawings. No footings required - easy to install - no excavation required. They will look the same in 100+ years as the day they are installed. They turn water tanks into a feature of your property. Made from 50mpa high quality concrete for exceptional long life. Enhance to appearance of your property - attractive landscape architecture. Let us design your OSD system and chances are you wont need an OSD system at all. Add value and that WOW factor to your quality home. Very cost effective

Happy February down there. We just had another snowfall, only an inch this time, two weeks ago we were blessed with 36 inches (a meter of snow - ouch). I agree with bits and pieces of the above. The simplist would be to deck the entire area, with lots of interest in the woodwork, as georgio suggested. To reduce costs, have someone design the carpentry, install all the support posts and beams, and let you do all the decking and handrails. Because everything is so rectangular, I would want to see a series of artful curves, and steps that are indirect. Consider that the rush to the pool is incidental compared to all the other activities to be considered in that small space. Ask each member of the household to write out their individual desires for activities not present in the back yard, and that all wishes will be considered valuable to consider. Perhaps you wish to add some more of that handsome fencing to add security, so you don't have to be constantly on guard when family or friends are present. The vegetable and herb garden can be just as happy in large planters or in individual containers on the decking. Plain terracotta pots will blend in better than the more decorative glazed beauties. If planting trees for shade, the evergreens will cause less of a leaf problem in the pool. analyze first, then plan

Great advice - stop living until you have the money for a pool, after just buying the property, Ugh. Is that a curb cut and open access to your rear yard on the property on your northside? If it is a right-of-way that you can utilize during work on your property, you had better make it legal, as all the work will be more expensive if it has to come in on wheelbarrows along the northside of your own lot. If you have not read my responses to homeowners in the past, I'll try to give you a short version, so as not to take up time from those who will follow. If you want the full advice, email me at cascio.offsite@gmail.com If I cut off in the middle, I have had to leave Houzz, but I shall return. analyze first, then plan Start with the engineer's scale drawing of your new property. Blow it up to a comfortable size and walk around the neighborhood making notes of views into and out of your site from the outside and from within the house. Note all the utilities, above and below grade. Have everyone in the family, and regular visitors, make a private list of all the activities they would like to see located on your property, let no idea be unreasonable at this point. Have a landscape architect study what you have developed and prepare some initial studies or concept plans for your immediate need, the next few years as you get settled, then perhaps a long-range plan that will include your pool, if it is on your "wish list". That should get you productive so you are no longer in a quandry. Good luck, and make it fun!

Please provide some suggestions on how can I fix this slope. Is retaining wall the only solution or can something easier and cheaper be done? Thank you.