Garden walls - design elements with function and charm
A garden wall is much more than just a simple boundary with bricks. It is a versatile design element that combines structure, privacy, stability and aesthetics.
The design possibilities with walls are diverse, as a functional retaining wall for a slope, as a decorative dry stone wall, as a modern concrete wall or as a flexible solution with gabions. With the right planning, the right materials and expert workmanship by professionals such as egli jona ag, every wall becomes an eye-catcher in the garden and makes a decisive contribution to the overall garden design.
Garden walls - more than just walls in the garden
If you look into the subject of garden walls, you will quickly come across a wide range of products, variants and construction methods. Walls can fulfil different functions and are therefore used in different ways in horticultural design concepts.
They can be used as privacy screens, as support for slopes and differences in terrain, as a decorative element for terraces or as a frame for beds and plantings or Fountains. At the same time, a wall characterises the atmosphere of the garden, complements the garden style and conveys a certain charm through its materials.
Function and use as important information
The function of a garden wall determines its type and construction and garden walls are often necessary for the structure and stability of a garden concept.
- Retaining wallsStabilisation of slopes and embankments with bricks
- Screen wallsCreate privacy and tranquillity by building higher walls
- Decorative walls: Eye-catcher and atmosphere at different heights
- LimitationsStructure for plot areas with a row of stones, which can vary in size and height depending on the concept
- Terrace wallsExtension of the living space to the outside
Materials and variants
Choosing the right materials is crucial for the effect and durability of a garden wall. Each variant has its own strengths and areas of application as well as its very own aesthetic effect. Garden walls can be built as layered masonry or alternating layered masonry, for example, and therefore have different looks.
- Natural stone walls are classics that impress with their timeless look. They look particularly authentic, blend harmoniously into the landscape and are available in variants such as granite, sandstone or slate.
- Concrete walls stand for clear lines and modern design. They are extremely stable, easy to clean and can be perfectly combined with other materials.
- Gabions, are a flexible and modern variant. They can be set up quickly using the modular principle and filled individually.
- Wooden elements or palisades look warm and natural, but are less durable and require regular maintenance.
Construction and planning
The construction of a garden wall depends heavily on its function. A decorative dry stone wall does not require mortar, but is constructed from carefully placed rows of stones. A load-bearing retaining wall, on the other hand, needs a stable foundation and a well thought-out design. A wall cover is also often used to ward off the effects of the weather.
The construction method is as follows:
- Analysis of the terrain and slopes
- Definition of the height, shape and type of wall as part of a design concept
- Selection of suitable materials
- Consideration of maintenance, sustainability and costs
- Structure with stable foundation depending on the variant and material selected for the garden wall
Fundamentals of wall construction
Certain technical aspects are essential for a garden wall to remain permanently stable. A solid foundation is the basis of every wall. It prevents the masonry from shifting due to frost or moisture. In the case of retaining walls, drainage is also necessary to prevent water from accumulating behind the wall and building up pressure.
The construction method determines the durability. A dry stone wall, for example, is built without mortar and depends on the precise arrangement of each row of stones. A concrete wall, on the other hand, requires formwork, reinforcement and carefully poured concrete. Gabions are assembled using the modular principle and filled with stones, while wooden elements or palisades need to be anchored in the ground to ensure stability.
Height also plays a role. Low walls are mostly used for decorative purposes, while high walls are used as privacy screens or to stabilise embankments. A wall cover protects the masonry from the weather and extends its service life.
Design and aesthetics
A garden wall is not only functional, but also an important design element. It characterises the atmosphere of the garden and can serve as an eye-catcher. Quite apart from structuring the garden with walls, there are a number of design options, such as:
- Combination of natural stone walls with lush planting
- Modern concrete walls with integrated bench
- Gabions with vegetation for a customised look
- Small palisades for demarcating flower beds
- Dry stone walls as a habitat for insects and plants
A wall looks particularly lively when combined with plants. Perennials, climbing plants or herbs as well as flower beds at the base of the wall add colour and fragrance. The result is a harmonious interplay of stone and nature that enriches the garden.
Fountains can also be built into walls, transforming them into lively design elements. Such solutions are also popular for patios, as they extend the living space outside and create additional atmosphere. In this way, the wall not only becomes an eye-catcher, but also a multifunctional element that enriches the garden.
Advice and support from a professional
New garden construction and garden remodelling often includes the construction and design of walls. This can give rise to many questions: Which materials are best suited? What height is sensible and also legally possible? How should the foundations be built? This is where professional advice is crucial. Our experts at egli jona can give you all the answers, help with the selection and take care of the professional execution. With our experience, we ensure that the wall is not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing.
Care and sustainability
Just as in the overall garden concept, sustainability also plays a role in garden walls. Natural stone is durable and easy to maintain, gabions can be filled with recycled stones and wooden elements can be sourced from sustainable forestry.
Care tips:
- Regular inspection of joints and wall coverings
- Cleaning masonry and stones
- Protection against moisture through drainage in the floor
- Sustainable materials such as recycled stones for gabions
- Care of neighbouring plants and perennials
Inspiration as a decision-making aid
A garden wall is not just a technical element, but also an expression of your own ideas and visions. In order to design a garden together with a professional, it often helps to get additional inspiration in order to know and define your own wishes. Perhaps classic natural stone walls planted with shrubs and flowers to give them a lively character or modern concrete walls with a clear shape to enhance a patio. Gabions, on the other hand, offer a customised design that adapts to the surroundings thanks to their flexible filling with stones.
On our website you will find numerous customer projects that show just how versatile garden walls can be. Let us inspire you - we look forward to realising your ideas and wishes.
Garden walls - the stable basis for garden design
Garden walls are practical and decorative elements in modern garden design. They combine function, aesthetics and design and create spaces that are both practical and atmospheric. Each variant, such as natural stone, concrete, gabions or wooden elements, has its own advantages and possible uses.
With egli jona, you have an experienced partner at your side who understands your ideas, answers your questions and develops solutions together with you.
Contact us Contact us today using the form on our website, by e-mail or give us a call for non-binding, professional advice and to start your own project. Give your garden structure and your very own, special style with the right garden wall as a design element. At egli jona, we don't just create gardens with design elements such as garden walls, but living spaces that will give you pleasure for many years to come. We look forward to your project!
