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Vertical Garden on a Retaining Wall: Plant Pockets in Elfin Forest

A 30-Foot-High Living Wall

At the Elfin Forest home of Karen Gardner and John Phillips, a 30-foot-high cement grid stabilizes a near-vertical slope. Pockets are filled with amended soil and planted with pink and red ivy geraniums, yellow Bulbine frutescens, bougainvillea, and ice plants. A drip system handles irrigation.

Plantable Retaining Wall Systems

Several manufacturers make segmental retaining walls sold through suppliers like Home Depot. For walls higher than 3 feet, consult a structural engineer before installation.

Plant Suggestions for Walls

Ivy geraniums can be planted now. Other colorful choices: creeping rosemary ‘Huntington Carpet’, dwarf periwinkle, rosea ice plant, and rose moss.

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