Build-With-Nature

Walls and Waterfalls

(Retaining Solutions)

On many projects retaining is necessary. How we decide to retain an area makes a big difference. Retaining walls divide up space. The introductions of plants or a water-feature add interest and intimacy.

This planting/sitting wall was constructed at pool edge to maximize the lower patio space between the pool and the garage/cabana. The upper patio around the other sides of the pool functioned as an active use area for the pool.

Conventionally, walls have a more formal design with curves or architectural features.

On this project we used a radial circle of tumbled pavers to handle a difficult transition between 3 intersecting walls and the proposed stairway to the side of the residence.

Many wall solutions are available.

Garden walls can be a living part of the garden.

By building usable places in the garden we can lure a visitor into a unique space. This living wall is always evolving; each visit evokes a different experience.

Often it is preferable to build a retaining wall that looks natural. This style of wall does not chop up the property but becomes part of it.

Properly constructed natural rock walls appear to have always been there, an enduring part of the landscape.

The ability to see beyond what exists to what can be is essential in good garden design. What is possible?

How do we make it look real?

This cave is the entrance to the 150’ water flume. The first 75’ are underground.

This large rock ledge was selected to fit around the water flume entrance with chiseled steps leading down to the pool.

The underground section emerges through this waterfall.

The open flume then twists through the landscape, around the Jacuzzi and into the swimming pool.

Plantings can be used on some slopes.

Rock ledges on this project were installed to retain the grade, hide the water flume and create the waterfalls.

This swimming pool was engineered to support natural rock construction. The pool has a beach entrance, diving rock and waterfalls.

Before the project start this was a sandy hill without any rock.

Grade changes are a perfect opportunity to create interest in the landscape. A slope on a property is an asset that should be used properly and not wasted.

Waterfalls that are properly designed add a strong focus to a low use space.

Waterfalls can also retain the grade in stages providing multiple cascades.

Each level of a cascade can provide different interests and different planting environments.

Instead of using a conventional retaining wall on this project we used natural rock ledges harvested and re-installed. This method of retaining enhances the project with many living spaces– changing within the garden giving depth to the landscape. The rock ledge appears to have been there before the house.

A gentle slope is a great opportunity for a natural setting. This stream flows through the landscape, down cascades and into a lotus pond.

WATERFALLS SHOULD FIT INTO THE LANDSCAPE.

A low waterfall cascading into a small pond was built into this slope.

If a grade change or a slope is not available a realistic cascade can be built by raising the grade.

When done properly the illusion is undetectable.

This waterfall pond and stream were built on the street as a temporary display for the 1996 ROCKEFELLER CENTER Flower & Garden Show.

Anything is possible.