Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard full sun garden for spring in Austin with a retaining wall.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

Landscape contracting by Avid Landscape. Concrete by Concrete Dreams and Foundations. Photograph by Meghan Montgomery.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional front yard full sun garden in Seattle with a retaining wall.

Photo of a mid-sized beach style backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in San Francisco with a retaining wall and concrete pavers.

Stone steppers with multi-tiered boulder retaining wall
Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard partial sun xeriscape in Minneapolis with a retaining wall and mulch.

Photos by Anthony Chrisafulli
Mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun garden in New York with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers for summer.

We started by levelling the top area into two terraced lawns of low water Kurapia and more than doubling the space on the lower level with retaining walls. We built a striking new pergola with a graphic steel-patterned roof to make a covered seating area. Along with creating shade, the roof casts a movie reel of shade patterns throughout the day. Now there is ample space to kick back and relax, watching the sun spread its glow on the surrounding hillside as it makes its slow journey down the horizon towards sunset. An aerodynamic fan keeps the air pleasantly cool and refreshing. At night the backyard comes alive with an ethereal lighting scheme illuminating the space and making it a place you can enjoy well into the night. It’s the perfect place to end the day.

We designed an address marker constructed with cedar and natural stone. Slate chip mulch surrounds the plans and lannon stone boulders.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern front yard full sun driveway in Milwaukee with a retaining wall, gravel and a wood fence.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun garden in Austin with a retaining wall.

This backyard Renovation was one our favorites. Carefully planned and executed with a detached garage renovation this backyard is ready for anything. Belgard retaining wall blocks, pavers and step units. All capped off with lights and future plans for a little dry creek bed bridge.

Mid-sized traditional side yard full sun garden in Salt Lake City with a retaining wall and gravel.

Fountain on deck in front of a retaining wall with steps leading to the upper landscape. ©Daniel Bosler Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized and australian native contemporary backyard xeriscape in Los Angeles with a retaining wall and concrete pavers.

Terraces with drought tolerant plants
Mid-sized mediterranean backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a retaining wall, mulch and a wood fence.

Photography by Allen Russ.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard partial sun garden in DC Metro with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Orange County with natural stone pavers and a retaining wall.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional front yard full sun garden in Other with a retaining wall and mulch.

Chilton Outcropping Retaining Wall surrounded by new mixed gardens and lush lawn in Grand Rapids Township, MI
Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts front yard full sun xeriscape for fall in Grand Rapids with a retaining wall and mulch.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional sloped full sun formal garden for winter in Sacramento with a retaining wall and mulch.

Photo of a mid-sized country backyard shaded garden in San Francisco with a retaining wall and mulch.