Semi-Circular Landscape Wall Garden

Mark the layout of the bed. You can lay out the design using a garden hose, which works well for curves. If you want an accurate partial circle, you can make a quick compass. Drive a landscape stake at the center of your layout and tie a string between the stake and a can of marking paint. Pull the string taut and spray the marking paint to create your layout line.

Dig up and remove the turf from the bed area.

Using the layout marks on the ground as a reference, dig a trench 4 inches deep in the shape of the planting bed. Adjust the depth as needed to account for any slope in the ground. Remove the loose soil and compact the bottom of the trench with a hand tamper. Check for level, adding and removing soil as necessary and tamping the bottom of the trench firm.

Add a couple of inches of all-purpose gravel or paver base to the bottom of the trench. Spread the material evenly with a garden rake. Tamp and repeat to get a level base compacted to a depth of 4 inches. A firm, level base is key for building the walls of your raised bed.

Begin placing the first row of blocks. Check for level as you go, side to side and front to back. Add a bit of paver base to raise a block as necessary or tap it with a rubber mallet to lower it. A level first row makes the remaining rows easier to build.

Begin laying the second row of blocks. Apply adhesive to the top of the first row as you lay each block. Stagger the joints on the rows so a block spans a joint in the row below. You might need to begin the second row with a partial block. Check for level as you go and press each block firmly into the adhesive to create a strong bond. Brush away any debris once complete.

Apply adhesive and lay the third and final row. Backfill around the first layer of block with gravel as necessary to allow drainage and tamp down. Top with soil.

Now you’re ready to plant your semi-circle bed. Fill the bed with premixed raised bed soil and make it easy to give your plants the soil they need for a good start. Consider using landscape fabric to block weeds. Add your plants. A mix of shrubs, bright annuals and long-lasting perennials is a good choice. If you’re adding a new shrub, take a look at our guide to planting shrubs. Check the plant tags for tips on establishing and caring for your new plants. Finish with a layer of mulch to help retain moisture in the soil, but pull the mulch back an inch or so from the plant stems and two or three inches from the tree trunk.