Rock outcroppings make a striking background for new lounge areas in this compact Los Angeles hillside garden. Working with the attributes of the site, we added native plants to drape over the stone, and converted hollowed stone planters into a firepit and water feature. New built-in seating and a cozy hammock complete the relaxing space, and dramatic lighting makes it come alive at night. Photo by Martin Cox Photography.

Rear retaining wall with Agave next to steps ©Daniel Bosler Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant backyard retaining wall landscape in Los Angeles.

Approximately 240 of native stone retaining wall. Eight tons of native stone and two pallets of concrete. One hundred and fifty blocks and one hundred and fifty bags of mortar. This wall wraps around nearly the entire house to help with erosion control, and beautification.

Approximately 240 of native stone retaining wall. Eight tons of native stone and two pallets of concrete. One hundred and fifty blocks and one hundred and fifty bags of mortar. This wall wraps around nearly the entire house to help with erosion control, and beautification.

Approximately 240 of native stone retaining wall. Eight tons of native stone and two pallets of concrete. One hundred and fifty blocks and one hundred and fifty bags of mortar. This wall wraps around nearly the entire house to help with erosion control, and beautification.

Photo: Daniel Nystedt

Approximately 240 of native stone retaining wall. Eight tons of native stone and two pallets of concrete. One hundred and fifty blocks and one hundred and fifty bags of mortar. This wall wraps around nearly the entire house to help with erosion control, and beautification.

Approximately 240 of native stone retaining wall. Eight tons of native stone and two pallets of concrete. One hundred and fifty blocks and one hundred and fifty bags of mortar. This wall wraps around nearly the entire house to help with erosion control, and beautification.

Approximately 240 of native stone retaining wall. Eight tons of native stone and two pallets of concrete. One hundred and fifty blocks and one hundred and fifty bags of mortar. This wall wraps around nearly the entire house to help with erosion control, and beautification.

Approximately 240 of native stone retaining wall. Eight tons of native stone and two pallets of concrete. One hundred and fifty blocks and one hundred and fifty bags of mortar. This wall wraps around nearly the entire house to help with erosion control, and beautification.

Approximately 240 of native stone retaining wall. Eight tons of native stone and two pallets of concrete. One hundred and fifty blocks and one hundred and fifty bags of mortar. This wall wraps around nearly the entire house to help with erosion control, and beautification.

Approximately 240 of native stone retaining wall. Eight tons of native stone and two pallets of concrete. One hundred and fifty blocks and one hundred and fifty bags of mortar. This wall wraps around nearly the entire house to help with erosion control, and beautification.

Approximately 240 of native stone retaining wall. Eight tons of native stone and two pallets of concrete. One hundred and fifty blocks and one hundred and fifty bags of mortar. This wall wraps around nearly the entire house to help with erosion control, and beautification.

Approximately 240 of native stone retaining wall. Eight tons of native stone and two pallets of concrete. One hundred and fifty blocks and one hundred and fifty bags of mortar. This wall wraps around nearly the entire house to help with erosion control, and beautification.

Approximately 240 of native stone retaining wall. Eight tons of native stone and two pallets of concrete. One hundred and fifty blocks and one hundred and fifty bags of mortar. This wall wraps around nearly the entire house to help with erosion control, and beautification.

Mimicking nature by using granite pieces and native plants to create a retaining structure that looks natural.
This is an example of a transitional hillside retaining wall landscape.

Rear deck dining area in front of fire pit with benches on the back side of a retaining wall. ©Daniel Bosler Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant backyard retaining wall landscape in Los Angeles with decking.

Rebecca McKinney
Design ideas for a modern landscaping in Austin.

Rebecca McKinney
This is an example of a modern landscaping in Austin.