Hardscaping

Retaining Wall and Grotto Area

We spent all weekend working on the retaining wall and the grotto area in the southwest corner of the courtyard. Progress was good despite 20-30 mph winds both days (I hate wind). At this point you can really see how the newly created areas lay out and create the transition from the courtyard area to the raised bed gardens below.

I spent most of my time working in the new grotto area. We harvested rocks and boulders from our property and I used them to build retaining walls on either side of the narrow stairs leading up to the grotto. There will be more rocks and a water feature in the corner of the grotto. Adjacent to the water feature will be a Japanese maple.

The retaining wall is pretty much complete and looks great. We will be building a raised bed running along the entire base of the wall to either side of the staircase using the same sawn limestone that we used to build the raised garden beds. Above the retaining wall we will be constructing a single post design trellis structure using the existing fence posts as the foundation for that structure. We decided on rough cedar for the trellis material.

From above you can see how the whole area lays out. I am pleased with the basic design and materials. It looks pretty stark right now, but once we get the water feature, trellis, and plant material installed it will look wonderful. I already mentioned the Japanese maple that will flank the water feature. I also plan to install a Mexican buckeye tree on one side of the retaining wall stairs, and a Prairie crab apple tree on the other side. The grotto area will feature ferns and shade loving plants, and the sunny areas will feature native perennials and grasses.

Ron has gone out to buy the lumber for the trellis structure. Much more work to be done.

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