Retaining walls are not only functional, they provide a fantastic opportunity for botanical artistry, particularly in South Australia’s varied climates. From the smart, contemporary aesthetic of our retaining blocks range to the varied textures & styles of our concrete sleeper selection, MyLiving Outdoors’ flexible retaining wall options allow the right selection of plants to transform these structures into vibrant living artworks.

 

Mandevilla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mandevilla are an excellent choice for adding vibrant colour and lush foliage to retaining walls in South Australia’s warm climate. Known for its striking trumpet-shaped flowers, Mandevilla thrives in warm, sunny conditions, making it ideal for brightening up outdoor spaces from spring through autumn. When planted along the top of a retaining wall, Mandevilla vines can cascade beautifully down the sides, creating a stunning floral display. This plant’s climbing nature allows it to cover vertical surfaces effectively, providing not only aesthetic appeal but also some natural cooling effects for the area behind the wall. The textured surface of MyLiving Outdoors’ McLaren sleepers provide the perfect backdrop for Mandevilla vines to climb and spread.

 

Dwarf Crepe Myrtles

 

Dwarf Crepe Myrtles are an excellent choice for adding colour and structure to garden spaces, especially when used in conjunction with retaining walls. These compact shrubs bloom profusely even in small forms, offering a spectacular display of flowers ranging from pink to red and purple, ideal for South Australia’s climate. Pairing them with MyLiving Outdoors’ vast range of retaining blocks would be ideal. Their clean lines and smooth finish provide a contemporary backdrop that enhances the vibrant colours of the dwarf crepe myrtles, making it a striking feature in any garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Jasmine

 

Star Jasmine is an excellent choice for creating lush, fragrant green walls. Ideal for fast coverage and year-round foliage, Star Jasmine is a vigorous growing evergreen vine. Its star-shaped, fragrant blossoms make it a common choice for accentuating walls with Cove or Blackwood sleepers as they create a rich backdrop that accentuates any garden style.

 

 

Bambino Bougainvillea

 

Bambino Bougainvillea is an outstanding choice for adding vibrant colour and dense foliage to outdoor spaces in South Australia. This compact variety is ideal for smaller gardens and retains its stunning floral display throughout the warmer months. Pairing Bambino Bougainvillea with MyLiving Outdoors’ Kensington retaining sleepers is particularly effective. The strength of an expertly installed retaining wall can support the vigorous growth of the bougainvillea, while its refined appearance complements the plant’s vivid blooms, creating a striking visual impact in any garden setting.

 

 

 

 

Kangaroo Paw

 

Native to Australia, the Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos)  is well-suited for the climate of South Australia with its unique, bird-attracting flowers and tolerance for dry conditions. This plant would pair excellently with MyLiving Outdoors’ retaining wall blocks. The versatility of textured blocks matched with split face caps allows the striking colours of the Kangaroo Paw to stand out, while the sturdy construction supports the plant’s growth needs, making it a practical yet visually appealing choice for garden landscaping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Wanderer

 

Hardenbergia, also known as ‘Happy Wanderer’, is a vigorous Australian native vine known for its lush green foliage and vibrant purple flowers. It’s an ideal plant for adding a burst of colour and texture to retaining walls. The Lonsdale provides the perfect backdrop, with its neutral tones and simple lines, providing a sturdy support for Hardenbergia to climb and spread. This pairing not only enhances the structural beauty of the garden but also ensures a dramatic display of green and purple hues throughout the growing season.These strong vines fit the local temperature and need little water once they are established. They also help to attract butterflies and bees, improving biodiversity. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Succulents

For sun-drenched areas, drought-tolerant succulents provide a practical and striking choice. Their architectural forms and low water requirements give visual appeal and resilience against challenging conditions, particularly in South Australia’s dry climate. Pairing succulents with MyLiving Outdoors’ Sleeper Retaining Walls, such as the Kensington or Cove styles, is particularly effective. These sleeper walls provide a natural, rustic look that complements the unique forms and textures of succulents, creating a visually appealing and low-maintenance garden feature. Perfect for creating a coastal vibe, popular succulents include agaves, echeveria, blue fingers and aloe vera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MyLiving Outdoors Block Retaining Wall (top), Kensington Sleeper Retaining Wall (below)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Falls

 

Silver Falls (dichondra), with its cascading silver foliage, is an excellent choice for adding texture and a touch of luxury to retaining walls. This plant is particularly striking when used in combination with MyLiving Outdoors’ Kensington or McLaren sleepers. The Kensington’s modern aesthetic provides a perfect backdrop, allowing the Dichondra’s trailing growth to spill gracefully over the edges, creating a stunning visual effect that enhances the contemporary features of the wall design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MyLiving Outdoors Block Retaining Wall Featuring Silver Falls 

 

 

Including plants in your retaining walls not only improves the look of your garden, it supports the environmental balance of your garden. Choosing the right plants involves considering the local climate and the specific characteristics of each plant. Native species like Hardenbergia, Kangaroo Paw, and Dichondra Silver Falls are excellent choices due to their drought tolerance and ability to thrive in local conditions. Pairing these plants with suitable MyLiving Outdoors retaining walls can enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your garden, creating a vibrant and sustainable outdoor space. To view our full range of retaining walls click here.

 

 

Tell us:

What are your favourite native South Australian plants to use in garden landscaping? Share your tips in the comments below!