"Hardscapes Will Make - or Break - Your Garden!

That is Point #4 (of 5) in my short book Garden and Landscape Design a 'Quick Start' Guide. (Amazon or direct from me for $1.00. I will email you a PDF copy. Email me at gardenquickstartquide@gmail.com)
Hardscapes are the solid elements like patios, walls, decks, and boulders. They are the most challenging aspects of your garden to install because it usually requires several tons of material. The skills needed might be beyond some homeowners. You might be better served to hire a qualified contractor. After the hardscapes are finished you can easily follow up with your plantings and decorative elements. 
NEVER USE CHEAP CONCRETE RETAINING WALL BLOCKS. That is among Point #3 in my Quick Start Guide. Unfortunately, many homeowners do use them. Products like that are completely over used and forced in where not needed. Nor are they attractive. We recommend using natural stone for small retaining walls.
However, there some very good man made wall blocks that are attractive and relatively easy to install. 
An example is shown in the below. It is the 'Rivercrest' product from Unilock. It is available at Tim Wallace Landscape Supply in Bolingbrook, Illinois.  
January is a very good time to plan your gardens. And if you need a contractor most are readily available to help during the off season. If you wait until April they will be too busy.  

Rivercrest Wall from Unilock

The cover of my book

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