About Garden Walls

Garden walls are nothing new---they have been distinctive features in settings such as English gardens for hundreds of years. Garden walls can be purely decorative or they can be used to correct a variety of landscaping problems.

Functions

Garden walls can perform many functions. They can control erosion on slopes; section off parts of a garden; level the ground around a plant, like a tree, that is planted on uneven ground; or create privacy around a patio or deck area. Garden walls can create a formal or casual and rustic atmosphere, depending on the material used.

Types

Garden walls can be made from brick, field stone, quarried rock, masonry blocks or concrete. Brick or concrete walls give a formal feel to garden while filed stone and quarried stones can have an informal or rustic look. When picking a type of garden wall, one option is to match and brick or stone work that is on the house. It gives the property a cohesive visual appearance with one element blending in smoothly with the other.

Construction

Brick garden walls have to be put together with cement. Cement garden walls are made by pouring cement into a wooden form. Field stone, masonry blocks or quarried stone can be just placed one on top of the other as long as it is not for a retaining wall. Whatever the method, you will need to dig a foundation first. Dig a trench 12 to 23 inches deep, depending on the height of the wall. Make sure the bottom is level.

Features

Special features can be added to a garden wall to make it more attractive. For instance, a formal brick garden wall with a water fountain mounted on it has a classical look; plant climbers like ivy soften the appearance of the brick wall. Many types of ivy will climb up the wall without the aid of a trellis.
For stone walls that surround trees or other plants, flat, rectangular stones on top of the wall create a seating area. For stone walls that are placed together without cement, plant moss or small flowers in the cracks between the stones to add a splash of color and attract birds and butterflies.

Effects

Garden walls can make it possible to plant in areas that otherwise would have to be left empty. The effect of stopping erosion is more than just cosmetic. Soil erosion can cause rain water to flow downhill in a way that can damage not only to the yard, but the house as well. Garden walls also add to the curb appeal of the property, increasing the property value and the marketability of the home.

Resources

• Types of Garden Walls
• Building a Garden Wall