DIY Retaining Wall × Verdtech and the Varden™ Plantable Retaining Wall System
At DIY Retaining Wall, we’re always looking for smarter, stronger, and more sustainable ways to help homeowners, contractors, and landscape pros build retaining walls with confidence.
Over the years, we’ve designed and reviewed thousands of retaining walls using traditional concrete segmental retaining wall (SRW) systems. They are proven, effective, and absolutely the right solution for many projects.
But they’re not the only solution.
That’s why we’re excited to officially announce our new partnership with Verdtech, Inc., the innovators behind the Varden™ Living Retaining Wall Block System, a lightweight, plantable alternative to traditional concrete block retaining walls.
This partnership brings a new kind of retaining wall solution to our customers: one that combines engineering performance, DIY-friendly installation, and a naturally beautiful “living wall” aesthetic that traditional systems simply can’t match.
Why Verdtech + DIY Retaining Wall Is a Perfect Fit
Retaining walls have traditionally meant heavy materials, difficult handling, large staging areas, and a finished look that often feels “hard” or industrial.
The Varden™ system changes that.
✅ Lightweight, easier installs (and easier on your back)
Varden™ blocks weigh about 3 pounds each (compared to 60-80+ pounder per traditional concrete wall blocks), making them dramatically easier to transport, stage, and install than conventional concrete segmental wall blocks.
That means:
- Less equipment needed
- Faster installation time
- Easier handling in tight areas
- Less strain on installers (especially DIY homeowners)
And because they’re designed for efficient stacking and storage, they can take up far less room on-site compared to pallets of traditional retaining wall blocks.they can take up far less room on-site compared to pallets of traditional retaining wall blocks.
✅ Plantable blocks for a natural, “living wall” finish
One of the standout features of the Varden™ system is that the blocks are built to be planted, creating a retaining wall that can literally become part of the landscape.
Instead of a wall that looks like a wall… you get a wall that looks like it belongs in your yard.
Plantable retaining wall blocks allow:
- Vegetation to soften the visual mass of the wall
- Reduced heat absorption compared to concrete
- Integration with surrounding landscape design
- Walls that visually disappear over time
- A finished product that feels intentional, not industrial
From an engineering perspective, the planting pockets are designed to coexist with proper drainage and backfill practices—not replace them. Vegetation is not relied upon for structural performance, but it can enhance long-term environmental performance and site aesthetics when done correctly.
✅ Sustainability built in (reprocessed / recycled plastic)
Verdtech’s Varden™ blocks are made from reprocessed plastic, which offers several benefits:
- Reduced raw material extraction
- Lower transportation weight and energy costs
- Long service life without corrosion
- Resistance to freeze–thaw damage
- Dimensional consistency over time
For clients prioritizing sustainability, environmental impact, or LEED-style project goals, this is a meaningful advantage.
This is a major win for customers who want performance and a more sustainable solution for outdoor hardscapes.
✅ Flexibility that handles real-world conditions
Retaining walls don’t live in perfect conditions. They deal with:
- Freeze/thaw cycles
- Frost heave
- Minor differential settlement
- Variable site access and construction conditions
Because the Varden™ system is a modular polymer design, it brings a level of flexibility that can be even more forgiving than traditional rigid block walls, helping retaining wall structures stay durable and attractive over time.
✅ How the Varden™ System Works Structurally
This is where engineering matters—and where our partnership with Verdtech becomes critical.
Wall Batter and Geometry
Varden™ walls are constructed with a built-in setback (batter), which:
- Improves global stability
- Helps resist overturning forces
- Allows loads to be transferred into the reinforced soil mass when required
This geometry is similar in concept to traditional SRW systems but implemented with a different material strategy.
Project Highlight: A Living Retaining Wall Built with Verdtech’s Varden™ System
For this project, DIY Retaining Wall worked side-by-side with Verdtech to bring a retaining wall design to life that’s not only strong and reliable, but also lighter, easier to build, and better looking than traditional block walls.
Download our typical construction details to follow along.
Here are the key takeaways from the build that matter most:
A clean, solid start
Before anything was installed, the area was properly prepared by clearing out plants, soft soil, and anything unstable. That step is crucial, because a retaining wall is only as good as what it’s built on.
A strong, level foundation
The base course of the wall was placed on a 6” thick, compacted base layer so the first row of blocks sat flat and steady. A thin layer of leveling sand would used on top of the base course. Starting level helps the entire wall stack up clean and straight. The side rails also act as spacers so every block has the same spacing.
Built-in drainage to prevent water problems
One of the biggest threats to any retaining wall is trapped water. So we included a drainpipe behind the wall and made sure water has a clear way to escape. This helps protect the wall and keeps it performing long-term.
To help keep the organic soil used for planting from washing through the blocks, pieces of fabric are laid at the base of each block.
Clean stone backfill and geogrid for strength and stability
Instead of using random dirt, clean, crushed stone was used behind the wall block. This makes a big difference because it packs well, drains well, and helps the wall stay firm over time. Due to the height of this wall, we engineered the wall with geogrid. The geogrid is slit perpenicular to the wall block to fit around the side rails of the Varden block.
A wall that’s made to look natural
What makes this project stand out is the Varden™ system itself: the blocks are designed to be planted, creating a retaining wall that will blend into the landscape instead of looking like a hard concrete barrier. We look forward to seeing this wall fully planted.
Finished right so it lasts
At the end of the build, the final grading helped direct water away from the wall, so everything stayed protected once the job was complete.
The result: a wall that’s strong, clean, easy to install, and ready to grow into a living, natural-looking landscape feature.
What This Partnership Means for DIY Retaining Wall Customers
The DIY Retaining Wall + Verdtech partnership allows us to bring customers a solution that checks all the boxes:
✅ Easier installs with lightweight materials (3 lbs per block)
✅ Beautiful finished walls that can be planted and grow in naturally
✅ Sustainability-minded manufacturing using reprocessed/recycled plastics
✅ Space-saving and jobsite-friendly handling compared to traditional block staging
✅ A more forgiving, flexible wall system for real-world condition
✅ Every project is engineered to last by DIY Retaining Wall
Ready to build a living retaining wall?
Whether you’re a contractor looking for a smarter install workflow, or a homeowner who wants a retaining wall that looks like part of the landscape, not just a stack of concrete, we’re thrilled to support you with design guidance and the right products.
If you’re considering plantable retaining wall blocks and want to understand whether the Varden™ system is the right fit for your site, we’re here to help.
👉 Our engineering team can evaluate your project and provide a proper retaining wall design using the Varden™ system when appropriate.
👉 Contact DIY Retaining Wall for Engineering & Design Support
👉 Download our typical construction details
We believe the future of retaining walls isn’t about replacing old systems, it’s about using the right system for the right project.
And for many landscape-focused, sustainability-minded, and access-constrained projects, the Varden™ Living Retaining Wall System represents a smart, modern alternative.