Landscape design elements usually fall into two categories: greenscape and hardscape. While greenscape, such as hedges, flowering plants and deciduous trees change with the seasons and weather variances, hardscape like walls, patios, fences and decorations are a more permanent part of your home's landscape. That is why selecting the right kinds of materials for your pathways, patios, stone walls and decorations, is vital.

Walls define space, provide privacy and security, edit views, screen out wind and noise, and hold elevated soil at bay. A gentle slope can be tamed with a single low retaining wall or a series of garden steps that hold the surface soil in place. But if the slope is long and steep, building two or three substantial walls to divide it in to terraces, which can then be enhanced with plantings or a rock garden. Whether you choose natural stone or man made wall elements, retaining walls will add lasting beauty and character to your garden.