Should we do a retaining wall?

10 years ago

In our backyard, we have a rock wall lining the back of the yard and an oak trees on each side raised and circled with more rock walls. In between the two trees is a very shaded area with a small hill and some trees planted on top...and their tree roots, making this area hard to grass (and mow). Any suggestions for what to put there? We have a very active dog as well!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

rosecottagehome
10 years ago
I have similar problems at my cottage with many shady garden, thin soil, heavy roots and getting things to grow. I have had luck with Periwinkle ground cover under trees. But it can be invasive, fine if you plant 3 flats of it and only it, edge the border with rock. Add a little soil to where you put in plantings. In a few years it could cover the entire slope.
Lisa Vogel Bradford
10 years ago
Not sure what zone you are in but, you also may want to consider the Western Sword Fern, Acuba, Euphorbia robbiae, they all can handle dry shade, along with the vinca that rosecottagehome suggested. Remember it does take a couple of seasons to get plants settled in, and they will need some water etc. during the summer months
Related Professionals
Pembroke Architects & Building Designers · Owasso Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Chicago Furniture & Accessories · Rome Furniture & Accessories · Aliso Viejo Furniture & Accessories · Rogers Furniture & Accessories · Jacinto City Furniture & Accessories · Bellingham General Contractors · Evans General Contractors · Gallatin General Contractors · Kailua Kona General Contractors · Kettering General Contractors · Medway General Contractors · New Bern General Contractors · Port Huron General Contractors
Jane Davis
10 years ago
Yes! I don't have before pix, but we had this same problem. My husband would cut the grass, and the lawn mower would threaten to turn on it's side. The weeds are bad now, so please overlook, but the wall is the focal point of our back yard and we love it. Just be careful not to over-plant afterwards, as our landscaper obviously did!!
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
10 years ago
I would get the retaining wall bricks and run them all along to make a nice clean line and where the lower rocks seem to be stacked and fill with soil and leaf mold, plant hostas and vinca and then landscape the rest how ever you like.plant You might even want to have 2 levels.
ellie6
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you so much for all your wonderful suggestions!!! They are GREATLY appreciated, as I certainly don't have the eye or imagination for all your ideas. Thank you so much!