Do It Yourself Landscape Ideas:
Multi-level Xeriscape

This small xeric landscape design uses two levels for a few different reasons. First, it makes an otherwise dull flat yard more interesting. Second, it gives the illusion of a bigger space. See: Small Gardens

The path in this design is of a cosmetic nature and not of necessity since it doesn't really lead anywhere except to the other side of the garden. However, it does have purpose since it leads visitors all the way through the garden.

We could have designed the Garden path as a straight shot to the other side. However, the way we did it creates more of an interesting "journey" to the other side. This also makes the garden seem larger by design.

The plant selection is completely of a Xeriscaping (low water use) nature. As you'll see from the finished design photos, Xeriscape design doesn't just mean a bunch of rocks and cactus. It can be very beautiful with a large variety of colorful plants.

Please note that even though this is a water wise garden design, there is still a need for a do it yourself irrigation (sprinkler and drip) system. While this design may not need a lot of water after it's established, it will need periodic supplemental watering so it does need a sprinkler system. Also, an irrigation system in your landscaping ideas will keep you from being a slave to your garden and especially when you have to be away or go on vacation.

The retaining wall created in this design is dry stack natural limestone that we picked up in the hills around our area. To build this retaining wall we simply poured a level 3" deep footing, allowed it to dry, and then started stacking rocks to the desired height. Before we filled the bed with soil, we placed a sheet of weed barrier on the back side of the wall to keep the soil from flowing through the cracks. You can use plastic for this step as well.

If you plan to build a wall this way, get more rocks than you think you'll need as this can be like putting a puzzle together. You'll need a lot of landscaping rocks to choose from to help level out the top of the wall.

You can see this design finished at:
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4

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