Why I Oughta...

Yesterday, I posted some details of the short, 26" (or so) tall gravity retaining wall that we'll need to build out this Spring in the backyard.  I talked about some of the details need sorting out (type/look of block) and others need to be finalized (straight run, vs. L-shape vs. curved wall).   When I was out running one of the kids to their various activities, I stopped at a signal and noticed a retaining wall on one corner.  Below are a couple of photos.  They show that this wall is curved, includes a 'cap', but also includes a contrasting row of blocks at the top of the wall.    These blocks are smooth (not jagged fronts) and have no bevel on the corners.   That (smooth face) is in contrast to the example photo I posted yesterday .   I see (at the corner) three full blocks above grade and one partially below grade.  Those are (likely) 8" tall blocks, so this wall is 30-inches-or-so tall above grade (8+8+8+3.5+2.5 = 30). T...

The pizza oven patio project continues to be a work-in-progress with a number of details that we need to figure out/solve-for before too much time passes, so we can begin the project when the weather breaks. Back in January, I posted this 'notebook' post - where I ran through a number of decisions/items that need to be sorted and came out with these three lists. First, the list of 'elements' or component-projects inside the larger project: 1. The floor 2. A retaining wall 3. Stairs from patio 4. Roof Structure (with piers) 5. Prep Counter/bar-top 6. Utilities 7. Landscaping 8. Oven doghouse, landing and veneer Second, I put together a series of 'prep-work decisions' that need to be made: 1. Figure out utilities. Primarily electric. where they go, how they get there. in 2. Figure out 'level' for the floor and base of retaining wall. That requires decision on material. 2 depths - sunken prep area. 3. Wall details: placement, material, siz...

One of the garden design components that I've been observing (and thinking about) over the years are garden walls.  I haven't built a garden wall (yet), but it is something I've been trying to figure out how to tuck into our yard in one-way-or-the-other.    The most-likely place has been the bed at the feet of the espalier'd Greenspire Linden trees (that now feature a mass of boxwoods) .   Or out front where the floating mulch/drainage issue remains out-in-front of our front porch bed .   I've collected some inspiration for walls in various public places including back in 2019 when Gabion-style walls were one of the big trends  and in the wild in Lisle .  And I've dreamed about a 'fountain wall' by our patio in back .   I also have found an example at Disney's Aulani Resort here .  Disney Parks are (for me) a good place to look around at built, landscape environments.  And on a recent trip I was drawn to a retaining wall i...