The Retaining Wall Trend You Won't See In 2026 (And That's The Point)

As more homeowners turn to naturalistic landscape designs instead of perfectly polished yards with large expanses of green turf, many are choosing gardens that feel organic, authentic, and connected to nature. Many of the naturalistic landscape designs you see today support wildlife and native plants, creating mini-ecosystems that are buzzing with life in backyards all over the country. These designs use features such as meandering pathways, native plantings, and natural-looking retaining walls that blend into the background and become part of the overall environment. This shift towards authentic materials in our outdoor spaces is something that Sara Bendrick, a landscape contractor and designer, not only supports but also helps put into practice. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, she explained why natural-looking retaining walls are going to continue being a popular choice in 2026. 

According to Bendrick, "Natural-looking retaining walls are always a desired aesthetic. Using real stone is a high-end look that is appreciated by all. It can play into modern or rustic, really any style depending on how it's executed." As the founder of Sarita Landscapes in San Diego, Bendrick promotes the use of real materials in both her landscape design work and TV show hosting. She says that compared to synthetic materials, which need to be maintained and eventually start to look tired no matter what, real materials age gracefully. She points out that, "Natural materials like stone can grow moss or weather naturally into a place, creating a sense of permanency." 

If the natural landscaping trend is something that you love, and you're looking for ways to bring your yard back to a more organic style, Bendrick shares some easy ways to achieve a natural look for your retaining walls. She says to use 6- to 8-inch rock, dry-stacked on a base of material or a curb. If you need more structure, her advice is to use angular rocks rather than round ones, since they stack better. 

Bendrick also recommends building your natural-looking retaining wall on top of a CMU block wall footing. She says, "If a more structural wall is needed, creating a CMU block wall on a footing with drainage behind it and then using a stone veneer to apply to the front and a cap is another great way to get the natural looks." This gives you the foundation and support you need without bringing the synthetic materials above ground, where they will eventually start to look old and tired after a while. 

Another stone landscaping idea that Bendrick recommends is creating a large, organic-looking retaining wall. Building a large gravity-held or mortar-based retaining wall with boulders offers a classic natural look that will blend into any natural background. Since this method often requires a skilled mason, it's more expensive but integrates seamlessly into your yard and delivers a stunning effect that feels timeless and effortless, almost like it was always there and you never even noticed.