Ready to rock?! I have literally been seeing rocks and stones in my sleep! I’m so happy that I’m at the point that I can share with you the building of my DIY stone retaining wall.
But… before I get to that… looky at my gift to self for my birthday!
In my vlog below, you can see it in action. I did a happy dance the whole time! And I think I need a robot chipper, just sayin’.
I’m an easy-to-please kinda gal. My past birthdays have been spent:
- building my DIY compost bins
- painting the interior of my garden shed remodel
- and building my patio sectional sofa
If that doesn’t show you my trauma training, I don’t know what will! I don’t like being celebrated (generally in the past) and needing to do something instead of chilling has been my norm. But that is the old me. This time, I didn’t work on my project, I took time to just be and enjoy with my children playing tennis, taking walks, and eating my dill pickle pizza with fresh strawberry pie for dessert.
IMMA LEVEL WITH YOU
Now, to understand where this all started
Here’s where I’m at after (1) backyard official beginning (2) installing my French drain (3) felling the rotted trees (4) clearing the terrace.
That leaves me with what you see below.
It’s time to make a base or shelf for my DIY stone retaining wall to rest on. However, I keep finding more stone!
While I’m wickedly thankful to keep finding more, I’m also annoyed because I keep thinking I’m done with that backbreaking labor.
What made is miserable was the temps were in the 90’s with 85-95% humidity.
HOT!!
Oh, and I have poison ivy on my arms and torso to make it even more fun. sigh…
At least my injured thumb is healed enough I am able. Painful, but able. How amazing are our bodies that I healed that quickly?!
I literally can claim sweat equity in every sense of the word.
Not only do I find more stone, but more pipe…
…and more treasures – a baseball core, golf ball, baby bib, plenty of bread bags and a few more things.
A vinyl Christopher Robin – so sweet. Do you suppose it’s from one of those peel-and-stick books?
DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS?!
After running to the hose and cleaning it up, I am taken back a few decades to little ol’ me running to the knob TV set to watch one of my favorite shows.
As you see in my vlog below, I also found a few critters.
NEXT COURSE OF ACTION
Next, you can see the left of the staircase is full of stone that I need to heft up above like the others.
After my daughter and I move those and give the critters we found a new home, I remove the stairs.
While I just wanted to get this done, I had to go inside until the threat passes (see vlog above for details).
Then, after the threat is gone, I go back out and am able to level the other side.
Once done, I begin to lay landscaping fabric. I want to state that I don’t like landscaping fabric. It’s not good for the environment and I would never use it in my vegetable garden. However, burlap, cardboard, and other options just don’t last long enough for me to EVER want to do this again.
In the past, I’ve built a small DIY stone retaining wall. But THIS?
This is next level for me. I start with longer/wider stones so that I have a stable base.
Lemme just say that trepidatiously walking behind those stone and hauling them down was SO EXHAUSTING!!
Once I got a couple courses complete, I fill in the back with all the random concrete and asphalt pieces I separated while clearing the terrace.
Finally, here it is with several courses and me, myself, and I ready for a looooong vacation.
Would you tackle this yourself?
Do leave some comment love below (and don’t forget to watch the vlog). Likewise, pin and share to inspire others to earn sweat equity.
Coming next, I am revealing even more! Be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to be in the know. Until next time!
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Now that you’re in the project mood, check out these other ideas like my DIY stone retaining wall:
What a project! Building a wall is so much work, but so worth it. New England is known for so many amazing stone walls. They are wonderful. You did such a fantastic job! It is really a blessing to have found so many perfect stones to work with. I remember traveling for miles to find the right stones for my walls years ago. Your project is looking terrific…I can’t wait to see more! 💚 Are you going to be planting back there? 🌿🌾🌷🌻🌳🍂
Yes! Much like my previous home, it’s loads of work (literally) but worth it. Thanks for the love, Dale. I am beyond smitten, while grumbling, to have found so many more. The wall is just the height I wanted it to be with extras leftover for a firepit. I mention about planting in my vlog.
Wow that is a lot of hard work. I love it so far and cannot wait to see how you finish this up. You’re such a hard worker girl!
Donna
woot! Thank you, Donna. This part alone took me over a week of 8 hour days. I’m now moved on to filling it in and can’t wait to show you! 🙂
I love it! You’ve done a wonderful job. Can’t wait to see the reveal!
You’ve made my day, Sherri. Thank you! I’m eager to wrap this up for sure. 😉 And happy to be able.
I’m not going to lie, I audibly screamed when that snake lunged towards you. It’s looking really good Larissa! It seems so peaceful back there hearing the bird song while you work. Soon you’ll be able to sit back and admire the fruits of your labor while relaxing around your stone firepit. Sorry, have to say it again, You Rock!!!
HAHA!! Right? I nearly fell backwards. It was being so slow and then BOOM. I felt bad for disturbing that mama and her three babies (which are all different sizes BTW). I build them a luxury condo they can finally move into and help keep pests at bay. And the toad and mouse too. Maybe I have a rock in my noggin’ for taking this on! bwahahaha!
Just WOW, I’m exhausted watching you! This is going to look incredible, stacked stone walls are so beautiful! I really admire your tenacity and courage to tackle something of this magnitude! It will be a work of art! You are amazing Larissa💗👏👍
It’s been a VERY LONG month of this, but I’m nearing the end. Thank you for the vote of confidence, girl!
My 70 year old back hurts just watching you doing all that bending and lifting! You’re doing such a beautiful job! I know it’s a miserable job digging up all that rock, but I’m thrilled for you that there is so much there for you to reuse. You are an inspiration for me as I work on renovating my 1886 house. I can’t wait to see your beautiful new rock wall and all the other fabulous renovations you’re working on.
Thankfully, my wrists and hands are the only thing aching most of the time. I’m glad I am able, Susan, and it’s me or nothing else. The kids help occasionally which is nice. Kudos to you in your 1800’s home!