All Palermo steps
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard xeriscape in San Luis Obispo with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

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.

Photo of a mid-sized arts and crafts front yard full sun xeriscape in Seattle with a retaining wall.

Photo of an expansive contemporary backyard full sun xeriscape in Portland with a retaining wall and concrete pavers.

APLD 2021 Silver Award Winning Landscape Design. An expansive back yard landscape with several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat. The renovations include a wraparound deck, an expansive travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic planters. The pathways meander throughout the landscape... some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks left natural with fallen leaves. Raised vegetable beds and fruit trees occupy some of the sunniest areas of the landscape. A variety of low-water and low-maintenance plants for both sunny and shady areas include several succulents, grasses, CA natives and other site-appropriate Mediterranean plants complimented by a variety of boulders. Dramatic white pots provide architectural accents, filled with succulents and citrus trees. Design, Photos, Drawings © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

The 'Fat Albert' Blue Spruce was used to break up the concrete wall as it grows over time. 'Color Guard' Yucca provide great year-round color.
Design ideas for an arts and crafts sloped partial sun xeriscape for winter in Other with a retaining wall and gravel.

A stacked stone wall borders a raised planter full of creeping charlie and purple morning glory.
Photo of a mid-sized country backyard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a retaining wall.

Gareth Walters
Photo of a large midcentury backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a retaining wall and gravel.

Mid-sized modern front yard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a retaining wall and gravel for fall.

This built-in bench provides ample seating, matches the home's sorrel trim, and provides protection from the garden's signifiant level change. California native grasses border the patio, adding greenery that makes the seat color pop. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

Small arts and crafts backyard full sun xeriscape in Salt Lake City with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers for summer.

This retaining wall utilizes the same manufactured stone as this homes veneer, ensuring a perfect match.
This is an example of a large contemporary front yard full sun xeriscape for summer in Denver with a retaining wall and concrete pavers.

Whether it's a manicured front lawn, stone-paved pathway or intricate landscape design, landscapes benefit from the same attention to detail that the interior of your home does. Well-executed landscaping ideas can upgrade your home's entire aesthetic, and the right plants, flowers and shrubbery can greatly enhance your curb appeal by adding color, texture and even fragrance to your yard.

Terraced Retaining Wall of AllenBlock Europa Series with low voltage landscape lighting and new plantings.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard partial sun xeriscape for summer in Seattle with a retaining wall and concrete pavers.

Photo of an arts and crafts backyard partial sun xeriscape for summer in San Francisco with a retaining wall.

Photo of an arts and crafts front yard partial sun xeriscape for summer in San Francisco with a retaining wall and decomposed granite.

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.

Custom built Corten steel planters stair step down the slope. Grid patterns tie into the windows and architecture of the home, while ornamental grasses and native shrubs soften the spaces. A small Kentucky Blue Grass lawn allows for play, while larger grass areas are composed of drought tolerant Blue Grama Grass.

Delasperma growing atop a granite boulder, along a dry creek bed. Winger Photography.
Mid-sized transitional front yard full sun xeriscape in Denver with a retaining wall.