While they do come in a few shades, bricks are mostly uniform in color. And that's a bit blah. Instead, invest in a natural material with mixed, earthy tones.

Does your backyard feel like it's dated and lacks functionality? See what HGTV star Hilary Farr did in her clients' backyard to boost aesthetics and function.

Retaining walls built of stone or brick are the traditional style and usually blend nicely into their surrounding landscape. The question is, though: are these really the best materials for the job ...

Q: When we bought our 1942 house nine years ago, it came with a brick retaining wall 35 feet long and 4½-to-5½ feet tall. Holding up the stairs to our front door, it was already leaning to one side, ...

A man building the foundations for a retaining wall in a residential backyard. - Warchi/Getty Images When it comes to landscaping, retaining walls are a hardworking go-to option. They hold back soil, ...