Durham, NC · 2024
The Ridgecrest Wall
Stone retaining wall with hydrangea border & garden terraces
The Story
The Ridgecrest property had a steep grade change that made the backyard unusable. We built a tiered natural stone retaining wall system that creates three level terraces — and planted each one with a different hydrangea variety for a cascading bloom effect in summer.
The Challenge
A 9-foot total grade change required engineered retaining walls, not just stacked stone. Drainage behind the walls was critical to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup that could cause failure.
Our Solution
We built three walls at 3 feet each instead of one 9-foot wall, creating terraces with 6-foot-deep planting beds between them. Each wall has a perforated drain pipe and gravel backfill for pressure relief.
6 weeks
Build Time
85 linear ft
Wall Length
3-Tier Wall + Hydrangeas
Features
9 ft
Grade Change
Construction Timeline
From ground to glory.
Site Assessment
A steep, unusable slope covered in weedy groundcover. The 9-foot grade change made the lower yard inaccessible and the upper yard feel precarious.
Excavation & Terracing
The slope excavated in three cuts, creating level terraces. Excess soil removed and the sub-base compacted at each level.
Drainage & Footings
Concrete footings poured at each wall base. Perforated drain pipes and gravel backfill installed behind each wall location for water management.
Stone Wall Construction
Three tiers of natural fieldstone retaining wall built from bottom to top. Each wall is 3 feet tall with a slight batter (lean into the hill) for structural integrity.
Cap Stone & Steps
Flat cap stones set on each wall for a clean top edge. Natural stone steps built connecting each terrace level for easy access.
Planting & Mulching
Three hydrangea varieties planted across the terraces — Limelight on top, Endless Summer in the middle, Annabelle at the base. Mulched beds and drip irrigation installed.
Final Reveal
Three tiers of stone wall cascading down the slope, each terrace bursting with hydrangea blooms. The Ridgecrest Wall turned an unusable slope into a showpiece garden.
The Transformation
Before & After
BeforeAfter
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