VJ Von Art/ Unsplash

Retaining wallshave both practical and design-related purposes in gardens.

And manyretaining wallideas can add interest and cohesion to a landscape design.

Check out these stylish garden retaining wall ideas to offer some inspiration.

Xeriscaping with white walls and white modern home

VJ Von Art/ Unsplash

Using them as easy-to-keep raised beds works well in this low-maintenanceMediterranean-inspired space.

The drought-resistant palms and shrubs add color and interest.

It’s worth noting that timber walls will likely need replacing sooner than more durable stone varieties.

Garden with poured concrete retaining walls

Greg & Lois Nunes/ Unsplash

DIY Dry-Stack Walls

Andover Landscape

You don’t need to use any mortar when buildingdry-stack retaining walls.

They add visual interest, drain naturally, and are one of the easiest types to DIY build.

Flower beds often sprawl over the edge of the walls in a riot of color.

Timber teracced retaining wall example

Supreme Green Landscaping

Here they complement the beautiful pink floweringmagnolia tree.

The house number is displayed on the front of the wall with integrated lighting.

The plan typically avoids or minimizes lawns and uses a variety of drought-tolerant plants.

Dry stacked retaining wall example

Andover Landscape

The walls create additional interest in a simple design.

The retaining wall also serves as a back for a wooden bench that adds extra seating.

Once the retaining wall is done, you could evenDIY a fire pit.

driveway retaining wall

Fantastic Frank

Shrubs and hedges smartly differentiate between the spaces.

When a garden has multiple tiers, think carefully about the plants you choose and where you plant them.

Position the taller plants at the back and be aware that the higher levels typically dry quicker.

House, retaining terraced wall and pool

Kate Marker Interiors

Placing moisture-loving plants in the lower terraces for better results.

The wall also helps retain the fire’s heat, creating a cozier space for outdoor dining and socializing.

It also creates a buffer between the sidewalk and the home.

Flowering spring yard with pink magnolia tree

Wonderlane/ Unsplash

Keeping the wall’s design simple and low draws attention to the largeSaguaro Cactiin this drought-resistant design.

This allows greater control of soil, more veggies in one space, and better drainage.

This leads into a functional patio area for dining with matching the stone for a cohesive look.

front yard retaining wall ideas

Marie Flanigan Interiors

Integrating an elaboratewater featurelike this usually requires the help of professionals.

It is the perfect way to create usable space from the sloping area descending to a pool.

Carefully selectany plants you usein retaining wall beds to be sure they are suitable for use around your pool.

Xeriscape landscape with Cacti in front of white modern Mediterranean home

VJ Von Art/ Unsplash

You don’t want anything messy that will leave lots of debris in your pool.

Plus, they should be ones that can cope with sun and humidity levels.

It can also be helpful for safety and to prevent the sides of the pond from eroding.

retaining wall ideas

@afrobohemianliving/ Instagram

Here the low-maintenance beds are filled with ornamental grasses of differing heights.

A fountain between the two spaces adds a dramatic water feature.

Concrete and stone are largely considered the most durable materials for a retaining wall.

Sunken patio surrounding by retaining walls

Melanie Rekola Landscape Design

Multi-terraced garden with raised flower beds

laughingmango / Getty Images

Terraced flower beds above a pool and a gazebo-style shelter

Melanie Rekola Landscape Design

Ornamental grasses in retaining wall terraces

Melanie Rekola Landscape Design

poolside retaining wall

Fantastic Frank

Raised flower bed in front of grand home

Doug Vos/ Unsplash

retaining wall ideas

Michelle Boudreau Design

Multi-terraced, tall garden

Ash Ashley/ Unsplash

Stone built fire pit and pizza oven with matching retaining wall

oneillbro / Getty Images

boulder retaining wall ideas

Design by Amy Leferink ofInterior Impressions

Modern architecturally designed home with a retaining wall contained front lawn

R ARCHITECTURE/ Unsplash

stucco retaining wall ideas

White Sands

Grand house with a retaining wall below the front porch

J. Remus/ Unsplash

Landscaped garden with curved retaining wall and Phoenix Saguaro Cactus

TriggerPhoto / Getty Images

Large vegetable plot with a low retaining wall around it

Tayla Kohler/ Unsplash

Beautiful landscaping with waterfall, koi pond, and stone patio with wooded surroundings

Tim Abramowitz / Getty Images

kate marker interiors pool retaining wall

Kate Marker Interiors

Retaining wall used to enclose a garden pond

Stephen Barnes / Getty Images

Ornamental grasses in retaining wall beds beside house and pool

Melanie Rekola Landscape Design

Natural stone steps and retaining wall, planter and garden border framing home entrance

jirivondrous / Getty Images

retaining wall ideas

Fantastic Frank

retaining wall ideas

Interior Design byMartha O’Hara Interiors/ Brickhouse Architecture / Construction by John Kraemer & Sons / Photo bySpacecrafting

retaining wall ideas

Brophy Interiors

sloped retaining wall ideas

Home Consultant

modern retaining wall ideas

Kendall Wilkinson Design

retaining wall ideas

Interior Design byMartha O'€™Hara Interiors/ Cornerstone Architecture / Construction by Olson Defendorf / Photo byAndrea Calo

stacked stone retaining wall ideas

KG Designs

retaining wall ideas

Fantastic Frank

retaining wall ideas

Light and Dwell

front yard retaining walls

Fantastic Frank

retaining wall ideas

@ladylandscape/ Instagram

wrap-around retaining wall

Fantastic Frank

concrete retaining wall

Home Consultant