Feature plant of this month

Acer palmatum 'Dissectum'
Japanese Maple

These small weeping trees are hardy at zone 5b to 8b and, depending on the variety, can have red or green foliage. Their graceful form and lacy leaves make these trees highly attractive and suitable for planting on retaining walls where their weeping form shows nicely.

List of past newsletter issues:

..... shade garden ......

..... starting your landscape job .....

..... garden year- round.....

..... winter preparation .....

..... conifers .....

..... house plants .....

..... winter gardens .....

..... garden features .....

Building a Retaining Wall

As with any structure, building a retaining wall has to follow some basic principles. Materials used should reflect the size of the project, its surroundings, the climate and of course your budget.

So many times, I have been asked the same question from my clients: “What would you envision for this slope?” Of course, a retaining wall is a very efficient way to fix any bank, but there are many ways to go about building one. Before letting your imagination fly, you should measure your site. Please look at the draft that explains how to measure the slope and that shows three different possibilities of how to divide the area.

>>> view how to measure the slope <<<

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Finding the difference in elevation will help you to decide on the height of the wall. To analyse your possibilities, asks yourself the following questions:

* How are you going to use space above and below the wall?
* How high would you like your wall to be and will you build one or two walls to retain the bank?
* Do you want to plant trees, shrubs, perennials or grass above and below the wall?
* How you would like your wall to join with the land?
* Are you the one who is going to build it or would you hire a professional?

Based on an analysis of all these factors you can decide on the material to use and do research to see if you can build it within your budget

Considering all the above-mentioned factors, you might come up with some unexpected ideas on how to utilise an area that was hard to use before. Your goal should be to maintain easy access to all areas on your property, and to use space efficiently without compromising appropriate dimensions for individual areas. The overall focus should be on creating an environment that is inviting and where you would like to spend time.

Viktorie Hladik
Horticulturist
Landscape Designer

Don't hesitate to call or e-mail.

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