As more folks turn to natural landscape designs instead of perfectly manicured yards, they’re going for gardens that feel organic, authentic, and connected to nature. Many of these natural designs use native plants, creating mini-ecosystems that are buzzing with life all over the country. These designs feature things like meandering pathways, native plantings, and natural-looking retaining walls that blend into the background and become part of the overall environment. This shift towards using real materials in our outdoor spaces is something that Sarah Bendrick, a landscape contractor and designer, not only supports but also helps put into practice. In an exclusive chat with House Digest, she explained why natural-looking retaining walls will 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 appeals to everyone. It can work with modern or rustic styles, depending on how it’s done.” As the founder of Bend Landscapes in San Diego, Bendrick promotes the use of genuine materials in both her design work and TV show hosting. She says that compared to synthetic stuff, which needs constant maintenance and starts to look tired over time, real materials age gracefully. She points out that, “Natural materials like stone can grow moss or weather naturally, creating a sense of permanence.“
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Retaining Wall Style You Won’t See In 2026 (And That’s Why)
Simple ideas for natural-looking retaining walls
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If you love the natural look and want to bring your yard back to a more organic style, Bendrick shares some easy tips. She says to use 6- to 8-inch rock, dry-stacked on a base of material or a curb. For more structure, use angular rocks instead of round ones – they stack better.
Bendrick also suggests building your natural retaining wall on top of a CMU block wall footing. She says, “If you need a more structural wall, creating a CMU block wall on a footing with drainage behind it, then using a stone veneer on the front and a cap, is another great way to get that natural look.” This gives you the foundation you need without bringing in synthetic materials above ground, which can start to look dated over time.
Another option Bendrick recommends is creating a large, organic-looking retaining wall. Building a big gravity-held or mortar-based retaining wall with boulders offers a classic natural look that blends into any background. This method often requires a skilled mason, so it’s more expensive, but it integrates seamlessly into your yard and delivers a timeless, effortless effect.
