Low garden retaining wall.

[fairplay]

I am about to get a low retaining wall around a soil filled flower bed replaced. Probably use similar Marshall faced blocks with some rustic effect. My old wall has been there for about 40 years. It has bowed out a bit in places. Is it ok to have a single skinned wall? It will be only 3, maybe 4 courses high and retain an area of about 4 square metres. Should it have gaps to allow for drainage and expansion?

 

[conny]

You should certainly have gaps for drainage or you may end up with a soggy bog instead of a flower bed. It wouldn't take much to make it a double skin and is sure to last longer.

 

[BathDIY]

For such a short wall you could do a drystone wall rather than pay for marshalls, you don't need footings. I have done this and it worked well for me (the wife was pleased).