Backyard Renovation Part 4: Boulder Retaining Wall

The backyard is really starting to take shape now! After the trees were removed, the retaining wall was set in place and the fence was erected. The next step was to create the more decorative retaining wall with boulders and a seating area above it. 

The boulders were brought in and were moved around one by one using the machine equipment.

The area above the slope was cleared, leveled and prepared for a stone-laid seating area.

The machine operator would pick up a boulder with the scooper and then use the "thumb" to hold it in place and carry it to where it needed to go. This job required a lot of patience! Some of the boulders didn't fit properly or weren't the correct size and he'd have to bring it down and get another one.

A small boulder retaining wall was set in place to protect the seating area.

Once the placement of the retaining wall around the seating area is set, they can bring in the steps and then lay the irregular stones for this spot. Once that is complete, the bigger/lower retaining wall can be finished with the remaining boulders.


See the progression here:
Part 1: Tree Removal
Part 2: Retaining Wall
Part 3: The Fence

Backyard Renovation: Part 5 - Seating Area

Once the boulder retaining walls were in place, work began on the seating area in the part of the property still "up on the hill." This was an addition to our original plans for the backyard and now I'm so excited for it!

Stone slab steps were brought in and laid into the slope.

 Then flat, irregular shaped stones were placed in a circle to create the seating area.

 And the remaining boulders were placed into the slope - both decorative and functional.

The end result is so beautiful. I can't wait to sit up here and enjoy the view once the project is all finished.

Next, the plants go in, then sprinklers, lighting and finally grass! We are almost there!

See the progression here:
Part 1: Tree Removal
Part 2: Retaining Wall
Part 3: The Fence

Part 4: Boulder Retaining Wall