RENEGADE GARDENER™

Don’t mix concrete retaining wall block with natural stone.

You know me – I hate concrete retaining wall block. But if you have to use it, go all out. If you bring in natural stone to augment areas of the same landscape, the gruesome effect that concrete wall block has on the scene is intensified.

I like this stone retaining wall and planting area, sort of. It rises up and goes away in a kind of nice, natural way. I think I would have used some larger boulders throughout, but it hangs in there.

Now look at the big-ass house, with the concrete block foundation beds. Ugh. Corporate Headquarters. Note the concrete paver steps and stoop. Those white wood railings look right at home, don’t they? And what’s going to be placed in that silly little raised circle of concrete block at left, in the driveway? A statue of a little boy with a fishing pole?

I realize this is all a matter of taste, but then again, it’s a matter of taste.

Don Engebretson
The Renegade Gardener