Build a rock bank: The most cost-effective retaining wall is a large boulder rock bank. There is less digging, no real engineering and you can create a great natural look once you scatter plants throughout. If you use spreading shrubs, such as River Wattle (Acacia cognata), or hanging/ground covers such as Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’, the boulders will end up being completely covered. Be careful again and ensure the angle of the bank doesn’t become too steep without considering engineering. These walls can be used as both positive and negative walls but you can lose functional space as the battered bank requires length so they are best as positive walls.
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Ajuga reptans ‘Catlins Giant’ and flowers in spring,” Lathouris says. “The flower spikes can be up to 15-20cm high and the ground is a sea of purply blue.
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